John Waters Wants to Host the Oscars, Says He’ll Pitch Chris Rock and Will Smith Presenting Together: ‘They Would Come Out and the Movie “Sissy Boy Slap Party” Would Be Showing’

Home Film Columns Apr 11, 2026 9:15am PT John Waters Wants to Host the Oscars, Says He’ll Pitch Chris Rock and Will Smith Presenting Together: ‘They Would Come Out and the Movie “Sissy Boy Slap Party” Would Be Showing’ The legendary filmmaker, on the eve of his 80th birthday, weighs in on Donald Trump, AI and his only time doing drag when he was 8 years old. By Marc Malkin Plus Icon Marc Malkin Senior Editor, Culture and Events marcmalkin Latest ‘Star Wars’ Voice Star Ashley Eckstein and World Series MVP Husband David Eckstein Releasing Complementary Novel and Memoir: See the Covers (EXCLUSIVE) 2 days ago ‘Beef’ Creator Lee Sung Jin ‘Honored’ to Be Working on ‘X-Men’ Reboot Script: ‘No Matter How Much You Got Going on, You Have to Say Yes’ 2 days ago Sam Asghari Wraps Starring Role in Action Short Inspired by Iranian Refugee Stories (EXCLUSIVE) 3 days ago See All Greg Gorman John Waters admits he’s dreamt of winning an Oscar. “What gay kid hasn’t done an Oscar acceptance speech?” the legendary filmmaker asks, before adding, “I’d rather be the host of the Oscars. I hosted the Spirit Awards many times, so I’ve already auditioned.” I ask Waters to give me his best pitch for the Academy. “I would have Chris Rock and Will Smith present,” he says. “They would come out and the movie ‘Sissy Boy Slap Party’ would be showing. It’s a hilarious underground movie.” Related Stories Donald Trump Fires Pam Bondi as Attorney General