Another potential embarrassment almost occurred in the 2001 show, when the Academy confirmed that actor Robin Williams would croon “Blame Canada,” the Oscar-nominated Best Song from the rowdy and profane comedy, South Park: Bigger, Longer, Uncut.
The tune’s raunchy lyrics caused some consternation and gave the show’s producers a workout. However, without giving specifics, producers Richard and Lili Fini Zanuck gave assurance that even conservative audiences would be O.K. with the presentation.
Earlier that evening, Trey Parker, who co‑wrote the song with composer Marc Shaiman, arrived at the Oscar ceremonies dressed in a copy of Jennifer Lopez’s green tropical‑print, low‑cut gown she wore for the Emmys.
Befuddled, the security guards gave him hard time and a thorough inspection. Lopez’s scandalous attire had occupied the national headlines, salons’ talk, and bedroom gossip for weeks, as if there were no other pressing issues on the national agenda.
