Actor Awards Open With ‘Abbott Elementary’ Sketch, Kristen Bell Singing & Tried-And-True “I’m An Actor” Bit

The Netflix-streaming Actor Awards opened with a pre-recorded scripted bit featuring the Abbott Elementary ensemble in character talking about the nominees of the night — from Sinners to The White Lotus.

First off, Lisa Ann Walter’s Melissa discussed The Pitt, where “the hot doctor fires the other hot doctor” for stealing substances from the hospital. In a continuation of the running gag on the ABC mockumentary, Sheryl Lee Ralph’s Barbara’s inability to keep celebrity names straight has her mistaking Jennifer Coolidge from The White Lotus for Jennifer Lawrence.

And what about that “Martin Supreme,” she adds, incorrectly referencing the Timothée Chalamet-starring Marty Supreme.

“Enough white movies, let’s talk Sinners,” Janelle James’ Ava prompts, leading Barbara to once again not realize that Michael B. Jordan doesn’t have a twin brother, and in fact, played opposite himself in the 16x Oscar-nominated drama.

Following the pre-taped bit, actors like Kristen Wiig, Teyana Taylor, Delroy Lindo, Kate Hudson and Michael J. Fox popped up to perform the prototypical “I’m an actor” talking head monologues.

Host Kristen Bell‘s opening came afterward, with the Nobody Wants This star joking about the ceremony’s rebrand with “new name, same girl.” The return host said in her intro: “I think the world could use some levity right now, so we’re going to keep things light.”

In honor of not fixing what’s broken and “going back to the well,” Bell opted for another showy song number, this time dedicated to stage names, from Marilyn Monroe to John Wayne and Cary Grant to Vin Diesel.

Joking that people like Emma Stone (née Emily Stone) could be more creative with creating singular stage names, Bell conceded that she had “no notes” for One Battle After Another star Chase Infiniti.

At one point, the infamous “Adele Dazeem” moment flashed on the big screen as Bell finished up her number at the “SAG—fuck me—at the Actor Awards!”