Oscars 2020: Janelle Monae, Chris Rock and Steve Martin open the ceremony

Before it even begun, the 2020 Oscars was shrouded in controversy for the lack of female directors and black artists nominated. And in Janelle Monae's opening performance, the singer was quick to remind the audience of that.

During the powerful ballad, Monae welcomed the audience to the "biggest night of your life", moving into the crowd to acknowledge the women who missed nods in their categories.

"[Let's] celebrate the women directing phenomenal films," she shouted. "I'm standing here as a black, queer artist."

Following the singer's message, Chris Rock and Steve Martin took to the stage to shout out to actress Cynthia Erivo, who's nominated for Best Actress in Harriet.

"Think how much the Oscars have changed in the past 92 years," the hosts said to the audience.

"Back in 1929, there were no black acting nominees. And now in 2020, we got one… Amazing growth."

Before departing the stage, the duo made one last dig at the Academy Awards for their decision to not have a host. 

"Well, we have had a great time not hosting tonight," they said waving goodbye to the crowd.

This year marks the second consecutive occasion in which the Academy Awards went ahead without a traditional host.

Last month, ABC Entertainment President Karey Burke revealed the news, adding that instead of just one anchor, there would be many celebrity presenters, including Hollywood heavyweights, like Rebel Wilson. Penelope Cruz, Tom Hanks, Mark Ruffalo and Keanu Reeves.

Want more Oscars? Stay tuned with our Oscars 2020 Live Blog here.