Oscars 2021: Regina King has near miss after tripping at start of ceremony

Photograph: Getty Images

Regina King had a near miss at the start of this year’s Oscars ceremony.

The actor-director launched the event at Los Angeles’ Union Station, and after walking onto the stage, tripped and stumbled.

Fortunately, a smiling King regained her balance and looked around as everyone watched on, clearly holding their breath.

“Live TV, here we go,” she exclaimed to laughs from the socially distanced crowd.

King then delivered an opening monologue in which she referenced Derek Chauvin’s guilty verdict for the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

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She then announced the winners for the evening’s first two awards – Best Original screenplay for Promising Young Woman and Best Adapted Screenplay for The Father.

David Fincher’sMank leads this year’s pack with 10 nominations, including Best Director, Best Actor for Gary Oldman and Best Supporting Actress for Amanda Seyfried.

Following behind with six nods apiece areThe Father, Minari, Nomadland, Sound of Metal and The Trial of the Chicago 7.