Ellen DeGeneres' Oscars Opening Delights The Academy Audience

Ellen DeGeneres took the stage at the 86th Annual Academy Awards, kicking off the awards show with her signature charm. She poked fun at Californians' struggle with rain, the number of repeat-nominees, and her history with the Oscars. DeGeneres also took time to recognize June Squibb, Lupita Nyong'o, and even Liza Minnelli, calling the famed actress "sir" and complimenting her for being the best Liza impersonator she had ever seen.

"One of the nominees is 'Her.' And by her, I mean Meryl Streep," DeGeneres continued, recognizing the number of times Streep has been nominated for an Academy Award. She turned from Streep to Lawrence, commenting on the young actress' fall at last year's Oscars and referencing this year's fall.

DeGeneres went on to mention Steve McQueen's "12 Years a Slave," joking that there are two possibilities for the night: "Possibility number one: '12 Years A Slave' wins Best Picture. Possibility number two: you're all racists."

This isn't DeGeneres' first time hosting the Oscars. The comedian also hosted the show in 2007, when "The Departed" took home the award for Best Picture. She stands in stark contrast to Seth MacFarlane, who hosted last year's 85th annual Academy Awards and made waves with his off-color jokes.

"We are thrilled to have Ellen DeGeneres host the Oscars," Oscar telecast producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron said in a statement when DeGeneres was announced as host last year. "There are few stars today who have Ellen's gift for comedy, with her great warmth and humanity. She is beloved everywhere and we expect that the audience at the Dolby Theatre, and in homes around the globe, will be as excited by this news as we are."