Benedict Cumberbatch takes a jab at Will Smith in 'SNL' monologue

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Benedict Cumberbatch joked about Will Smith’s Oscars controversy in his Saturday Night Live monologue.

The 45-year-old star was nominated for the Best Actor gong at the Academy Awards for his performance in The Power of the Dog – but Benedict ultimately lost out to Will, whose success was overshadowed by his clash with Chris Rock.
Benedict – who is currently starring in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness – said during his monologue: “I really am thrilled to be back hosting ‘Saturday Night Live.’ It’s been a really fun, great week.

“I have to be honest, though, because most of the sketch writers pitched me sketches every day, and most were about ‘Doctor Strange’ – which is great, I love the guy, I love playing the character … but I have been in other films.”

Benedict joked that Lorne Michaels – the executive producer of Saturday Night Live – asked him what other films he’d appeared in.

The actor added: “I said, ‘Well, like The Power of the Dog.’ And he said, ‘Nobody saw it.’ I said, ‘Come on, man, I was nominated for an Oscar for that.’ I mean, I didn’t win. I was beat by Will Smith.”

Benedict then added: “No, not physically! Not physically!”

Will smacked Chris during the Oscars ceremony, after the stand-up comedian made a joke about his wife.

The Hollywood star subsequently described his behaviour as “shocking, painful, and inexcusable.”

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Will said: “My actions at the 94th Academy Awards presentation were shocking, painful, and inexcusable.

“The list of those I have hurt is long and includes Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global audiences at home. I betrayed the trust of the Academy. I deprived other nominees and winners of their opportunity to celebrate and be celebrated for their extraordinary work.”