The event saw Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito team up not just to hand out awards for best visual effects and best film editing but also to share a moment of comic relief with the audience. Their banter, which included playful jabs at Batman, alongside Michael Keaton’s reactions, quickly turned into a highlight of the evening.
The exchange began with DeVito explaining their joint appearance, saying:
“Arnold and I are presenting tonight together for a very obvious reason.”
Schwarzenegger then chimed in, earning applause with:
“We’ve both tried to kill Batman!”
A Callback To The Past
They took the opportunity to remind the audience of their iconic characters. DeVito played the role of the Penguin in ‘Batman Returns,’ clashing with Keaton’s Batman, while Schwarzenegger appeared as Mr. Freeze in ‘Batman And Robin,’ facing off against George Clooney’s version of the caped hero.
Their chat on stage took a humorous turn with the following dialogue:
DeVito: “How did Batman beat you?”
Schwarzenegger: “He used my one weakness against me.”
DeVito: “Heat?”
Schwarzenegger: “Love.”
DeVito: “Oh! He threw me out a window!”
Arnold: “Batman, that son of a b*tch.”
Keaton’s Humorous Response
The camera then cut to Michael Keaton in the audience, stone-faced as laughter filled the Dolby Theatre. Pointing out Keaton, DeVito shouted:
“He’s here! There he is! He’s right here. He’s right there. Look!”
Schwarzenegger joined the banter, jokingly challenging Keaton’s presence:
“You have a lot of nerve to show your face around here.”
The Penguin actor added:
“You are a real beak breaker. We’ll see you after the Governor’s Ball, pal!”
Still in a stoic manner, the Batman actor responded with a simple smirk and a ‘bring it on’ gesture.
Following Another Reunion
This gathering at the Oscars came shortly after Schwarzenegger and DeVito had appeared together in a State Farm ad during the Super Bowl, and it followed Keaton’s recent return as Batman in ‘The Flash.’ Keaton described putting on the Batman suit again as ‘shockingly normal,’ revealing how it brought back a rush of memories.
The 96th Academy Awards aired on Sunday, March 10, on ABC.
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito reunite at the #Oscars. pic.twitter.com/evolOCZILJ
— Entertainment Tonight (@etnow) March 11, 2024
