Oscars 2010: Ben Stiller Spoofs ‘Avatar,’ Speaks Na’vi

Reviews of this year’s Academy Awards ceremony are already pouring in and, if we’re to trust industry people, the show hosted by Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin was anything but a fun event. There were, of course, fun moments, but they were not enough to make the impression that the gala was just dragging on go away. Luckily, Ben Stiller was on call to save the day.

As USA Today can also confirm, the funnyman had to present the award for Best Makeup and, instead of simply putting on a tuxedo, he chose to spoof one of the strongest contenders of the night, James Cameron’s “Avatar.” The film was a favorite and, of course, someone had to pick on it and the blue aliens that bring the story to life on the big screen. That person turned out to be Stiller, who even came up with a few lines in Na’vi, the fictitious language used by the same aliens in the film.

“Ben Stiller came out dressed as a Na’vi, complete with blue makeup, long braid and even longer tail. He began speaking in Na’vi language. ‘That means: This seemed like a better idea in rehearsal,’ he deadpanned. ‘It was between this and the Nazi uniform but the show seemed a little Hitler-heavy...’” USA Today writes of Stiller’s unique way of presenting an award at this year’s Oscars.

“He continued, ‘I am here to present the award for best makeup. The ironic thing is Avatar isn’t even nominated... I should have just warned my Spock ears. I have two pairs signed by Leonard Nimoy. That would have been too nerdy. But this is much cooler.’ He announced the winner in the makeup category: Star Trek,” the same publication further says.

James Cameron, on whom the camera zoomed twice throughout Stiller’s monolog, did not seem that thrilled about the idea at first. However, as Stiller continues on stage still in character, the director warms up and is even seen laughing out loud at one point. Below is a video (albeit of very poor quality) of Ben Stiller’s take on the Na’vi and “Avatar.” Enjoy.