Kumail Nanjiani Roasts DGA Awards' Racist Past

Kumail Nanjiani delivered a sharp, comedic monologue at the 78th DGA Awards, highlighting the organization's past racial insensitivity. He pointed out that the Lifetime Achievement Award was formerly known as the D.W. Griffith Award, named after the director of the 1915 film 'Birth of a Nation,' which glorified the Ku Klux Klan. Nanjiani humorously noted that the name change, to eliminate the KKK association, did not occur until 1999, the same year 'The Matrix' was released. He also mentioned that Steven Spielberg won Best Director in 1986, while the D.W. Griffith award continued for another 13 years.

Nanjiani's hosting debut, a role previously held by Judd Apatow for five years, saw a change in tradition as his full speech was streamed to the press room, unlike previous years where parts were cut off. He addressed contemporary issues and political divides, stating, "We're in a moment when people are focused on the differences in us." Nanjiani also jested about the film 'Sinners,' remarking that its realistic portrayal of white villains made it the most accurate film of the year and humorously described the "true horror of white people dancing."