'SNL' Pokes Fun at Oscar Nominees, Johnny Weir Reacts to Jim Parsons' Impersonation

Colin Jost makes his debut on 'Weekend Update', where Taran Killam as 1860s newspaper editor Jebediah Atkinson weighs in on Oscar best picture nominees.

March 3, 2014

AceShowbiz -

"Saturday Night Live" helped hype up the Oscar celebration with some references to the nominees. In a fake commercial for Spotlightz Acting Camp, children took on scenes from "The Wolf of Wall Street", "Gravity", "Captain Phillips", "Her" and "Dallas Buyers Club".

In another segment, "Weekend Update", Colin Jost made his debut as a co-anchor alongside Cecily Strong. "Before we start, I just wanted to say I'm so grateful and excited to be here tonight. This is really a dream come true," the show's head writer said about taking over the seat from Seth Meyers.

Later, Taran Killam appeared as 1860s newspaper editor Jebediah Atkinson who had a few things to say about this year's best picture nominees. " 'Dallas Buyers Club'? Sell. The only thing thinner than Matthew McConaughey was the plot," Killam said. He also gave his take on "Gravity", saying, "If I wanted to watch a depressed middle-aged woman float around for 90 minutes, I'd go to the YMCA pool."

"SNL" additionally poked fun at "12 Years a Slave", with Kenan Thompson playing director Steve McQueen in audition tapes. The sketch showed white actors being uncomfortable reading roles which demanded them to act cruel and racist.

The episode was hosted by Jim Parsons, who did Johnny Weir impersonation in the cold open. Kate McKinnon once again impersonated Ellen Degeneres, who was tapped to host the 2014 Academy Awards, interviewing Parsons' Weiner who kept adding new accessory. Asked where he got his fashion sense, he replied, "From my parents. My mother is a school teacher and my father is a Christmas ornament."

Weir has responded to Parsons' impersonation of himself. The NBC figure skating commentator wrote on Twitter, "I need Jim Parsons necklace from his Johnny Weir parody on @nbcsnl!"

The episode which also featured musical guest Beck averaged a 4.6 household rating in the metered markets and a 2.6 among adults 18-49 in the Local People Meters markets.

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