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.

Marc Malkin

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Marc Malkin

Senior Editor, Culture and Events

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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.”