Janelle Monae set a bold tone for the 92nd Academy Awards with a jazzy opening number that highlighted overlooked films, women directors, and #OscarsSoWhite.

She began her musical montage with an homage to Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood, dressed in the late TV host's iconic cardigan and singing "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" to front-row stars including Tom Hanks, who is nominated for playing Fred Rogers in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.

Billy Porter then joined Monae onstage in costume as Elton John to sing "I'm Still Standing," and dancers dressed as characters from Us, Midsommar, Jojo Rabbit, Little Women, Dolemite is My Name, all of which were arguably snubbed for Best Picture recognition at the Oscars.

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Even though one dancer had a Jokercostume, Monae made her message clear when she shouted "it's time to come alive because the Oscars is so white," and voiced her support for women directors dressed as the May Queen from Midsommar.

Monae's jazzy opening also had some audience participation with surprise guest vocals from Brie Larson, who gamely scatted along to the music.

So just in case anyone was wondering if Janelle Monae, a black queer artist, was going to let the Oscars off the hook for just because they let her open the show...you have your answer.

Happy Black History Month, courtesy of Janelle Monae.

TopicsOscars