Oscars 2018: Jimmy Kimmel Tackles Envelopegate, Sexual Harassment, and More in Topical Opening Monologue

Nicole Villeneuve
Mar 05, 2018

The 2018 Oscarsred carpet may not have had as many Time’s Up or #MeToo moments as other recent awards shows, but host Jimmy Kimmel didn’t waste any time before addressing Hollywood’s pivotal year in his opening monologue.

Kimmel kicked off the 90th Academy Awards at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre by poking fun at last year’s Best Picture mix-up, telling winners to wait a minute before coming to the stage after their names were called. “Last year, about a week before the show, the producers asked me if I wanted to do some comedy with the accountants and I said, ‘No, I don’t want to do comedy with the accountants.’ So then the accountants went ahead and did comedy on their own,” he joked.

From there, nothing was off limits as the host addressed the Harvey Weinstein scandal and the sexual harassment and equality problems in Hollywood. “Oscar is the most beloved and respected man in Hollywood. And there’s a very good reason why. Look at him. He keeps his hands where you can see them. Never says a rude word. And most importantly, no penis at all. He is literally a statue of limitations. And that’s the kind of men we need more of in this town,” he quipped.

“We can’t let bad behavior slide anymore. The world is watching us. We need to set an example,” he continued. “And the truth is, if we are successful here, if we can work together to stop sexual harassment in the workplace, if we can do that, women will only have to deal with harassment all the time, at every other place they go.”

At one point, in reference to the night’s most-nominated movie The Shape of Water, he joked, “Thanks to Guillermo [del Toro], we will always remember this year as the year men screwed up so badly, women started dating fish.”

He also couldn’t help but take a few swipes at the industry’s shortcomings in the context of Mark Wahlberg and Michelle Williams’ All the Money In the World pay disparity scandal, noting that both stars are represented by the same agency. “This story really shook me,” he deadpanned, “because if we can’t trust agents, who can we trust?”

Of course, no awards show opening monologue would be complete without the customary roll-call of celebrities around the room, and the 2018 Oscars were no exception. But Kimmel handled a troubled time in the industry — and on its biggest night, no less — deftly and with the appropriate sincerity. As he went on to urge viewers and attendees to learn from the #MeToo, Time’s Up, and even Never Again movements, the late-night host said he hoped that, ultimately, the night would be about positivity. We’d say his monologue was a step in that direction.

What did you think of Jimmy Kimmel’s 2018 Oscars opening monologue? Let us know @BritandCo.

(photo via ABC/Jeff Lipsky)

Where To Stream The Biggest Movies From The 2025 Oscars

In the midst of award show season, everything points to Oscar Sunday. The show, which celebrates achievement in film, is my most-important night of the year and my friends and I go all out. Themed snacks, ballots, and very loud celebrations when our favorite stars and movies win. If you're still celebrating all the winners, keep reading to see where you can stream all the 2025 Best Picture nominees — and the other biggest movies of the year!

Here's where you can stream all the 2025 Oscar Best Picture nominees.

Anora — Stream on Hulu March 17, 2025

Neon

When sex worker Anora and politician's son Vanya tie the knot so Vanya can get a green card and escape his father, their lives totally flip upside down — and not just because Vanya's family sets out to end the marriage.

Anora stars Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn, Yura Borisov, Karren Karagulian, Vache Tovmasyan, and Aleksei Serebryakov.

Wicked — Stream on Peacock on March 21, 2025

Universal Pictures

But this year's biggest musical is definitely Wicked. This alternative origin story for the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good follows the college roommates as they come of age in Oz, and learn the Wizard isn't all as he seems. I can't for Part 2 this year!

Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, and Marissa Bode.

Nickel Boys — Stream On MGM+

Amazon MGM Studios

Nickel Boys tells the story of Elwood and Turner, two African American young men surviving reform school in 1962 Jim Crow-era Florida.

Nickel Boys stars Ethan Herisse, Brandon Wilson, Hamish Linklater, Fred Hechinger, Daveed Diggs, Jimmie Fails, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor.

A Complete Unknown — Rent on Amazon Prime

Searchlight Pictures

The Best Picture nominee follows Bob Dylan as he gains recognition in the folk music world — then surprises everyone when he moves toward rock. See our interview with Oscar nominee Monica Barbaro!

A Complete Unknown stars Timothée Chalamet, Elle Fanning, Monica Barbaro, Edward Norton, Boyd Holbrook, Dan Fogler, Norbert Leo Butz, Eriko Hatsune, Big Bill Morganfield, Will Harrison, and Scoot McNairy.

I'm Still Here — Stream on Apple TV+

StudioCanal/Sony Pictures Releasing

Eunice Paiva must keep her family together & fight for what's right when her husband disappears under the 1970 military dictatorship in Brazil.

I'm Still Here stars Fernanda Torres, Selton Mello, and Fernanda Montenegro.

Dune: Part Two — Stream On Max

Niko Tavernise/Warner Bros. Pictures

This sequel opens after Paul has joined the Fremen, and after he escaped the murderous Harkonnen family. Now he's out to avenge his father — and come to terms with his destiny as a savior.

Dune: Part Two stars Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Rebecca Ferguson, Dave Bautista, Stellan Skarsgård, Josh Brolin, Javier Bardem, Charlotte Rampling, Florence Pugh, Austin Butler, Lea Seydoux, and Christopher Walken.

Emilia Pérez — Stream On Netflix

Netflix

In this musical thriller, Cartel leader Emilia enlists the help of Rita, a lawyer, to help her retire from a life of crime and live out her truth.

Emilia Pérez stars Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, and Edgar Ramírez.

The Substance — Stream On MUBI

MUBI

Elisabeth Sparkle gets fired from her own fitness TV show after she turns 50. But she seems to find a solution when she acquires The Substance...and creates a younger version of herself. The absolutely crazy thriller was one of the buzziest movies of the year — and won Demi Moore her first Golden Globe!

The Substance stars Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, and Dennis Quaid.

Conclave — Stream On Peacock

Focus Features

This movie takes place during a conclave to choose the next pope, and is totally unprepared for the scandals he uncovers along the way.

Conclave stars Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Sergio Castellitto, and Isabella Rossellini.

The Brutalist — Rent on Amazon Prime

A24

In the 4-hour The Brutalist, Adrien Brody's László Tóth is a Hungarian-Jewish Holocaust survivor who moves to America and works to achieve the American Dream.

The Brutalist stars Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn, Raffey Cassidy, Stacy Martin, Emma Laird, Isaach de Bankolé, and Alessandro Nivola.

A Real Pain — Stream on Hulu

Searchlight Pictures

Two Jewish American cousins reconnect and embark on a Holocaust tour in Poland after the death of their grandmother. This was one of my favorite movies of the year and I couldn't recommend it more!

A Real Pain stars Jesse Eisenberg, Kieran Culkin, Will Sharpe, Jennifer Grey, Kurt Egyiawan, Liza Sadovy, and Daniel Oreskes.

The Wild Robot — Stream on Peacock

Universal Pictures

Robot Roz crashes on a deserted island and quickly adopts an orphaned gosling, teaching him to fly and prepping him for the annual migration. Prepare to cry, like, a lot!! Check out our interview with Lupita Nyong'o to see what movie makes her cry.

The Wild Robot stars Lupita Nyong'o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Catherine O'Hara, Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu, and Mark Hamill.

Alien: Romulus — Stream On Hulu

20th Century Studios

A group of young space colonizers are tasked with exploring an abandoned space station and must confront the most terrifying life form in the universe.

Alien: Romulus stars Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Archie Renaux, Isabela Merced, Spike Fearn, and Aileen Wu.

Twisters — Stream on Peacock

Universal Pictures

Twisters follows former storm chaser Kate. When she's roped back into chasing by her friend Javi, Kate meets social media star Tyler, and comes face-to-face with the biggest storms ever.

Twisters stars Daisy Edgar-Jones, Glen Powell, Brandon Perea, Anthony Ramos, Maura Tierney, Sasha Lane, Harry Hadden-Paton, David Corenswet, Daryl McCormack, Tunde Adebimpe, Katy O’Brian, Nik Dodani, Kiernan Shipka, and Paul Scheer.

Challengers — Stream On Prime Video

Amazon MGM Studios

In Challengers, former tennis star Tashi coaches her husband Art, but her job gets way more complicated when he ends up in a match against his former best friend (and her ex) Patrick.

Challengers stars Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O'Connor.

Inside Out 2 — Stream On Disney+

Walt Disney Studios

Riley's becoming a teenager in Inside Out 2, which means Joy, Sadness, Anger, Envy, Fear, and Disgust have to make way for new emotions like Anxiety and Envy. What could go wrong?

Inside Out 2 stars Liza Lapira, Tony Hale, Ayo Edebiri, Maya Hawke, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Paul Walter Hauser, Amy Poehler, Lewis Black, Phyllis Smith, Kensington Tallman, Lilimar, Diane Lane, and Kyle MacLachlan.

Deadpool & Wolverine — Stream On Disney+

Marvel Studios

Deadpool teams up with the one and only Wolverine (well, after meeting dozens throughout the multiverse) after learning the TVA plans on destroying his timeline and his loved ones.

Deadpool & Wolverine stars Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, Stefan Kapičić, Brianna Hildebrand, Shioli Kutsuna, Owen Wilson, Matthew Macfadyen, Emma Corrin, Jennifer Garner, Chris Evans, Wesley Snipes, Channing Tatum, Blake Lively, and Dafne Keen.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice  — Stream On Max

Warner Bros. Pictures

Lydia Deetz and her daughter Astrid return to Winter River after a family tragedy, and wind up enlisting Beetlejuice's help (if you can even call it that) after Astrid opens a portal to the afterlife.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice stars Jenna Ortega, Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Willem Dafoe, and Justin Theroux.

Gladiator 2 — Stream on Paramount+

Aidan Monaghan/Paramount Pictures

After the death of his wife, Lucius becomes a gladiator with a mission: take revenge on the general responsible for her death.

Gladiator 2 stars Paul Mescal, Connie Nielsen, Fred Hechinger, Joseph Quinn, Pedro Pascal, and Denzel Washington.

Diamonds Are Forever — Rent on Amazon Prime

United Artists

Okay, this James Bond movie wasn't technically nominated at the Oscars, but after Margaret Qualley, Raye, Doja Cat, and Lisa's amazing tribute I had to include it! In the movie, 007 breaks into a diamond-smuggling ring in Las Vegas — and comes face-to-face with a beautiful stranger who could turn out to be a double agent.

Diamonds Are Forever stars Sean Connery, Jill St. John, Charles Gray, Lana Wood, Jimmy Dean, and Bruce Cabot.

Check out Emma Stone & Margaret Qualley's Adorable BFF Oscars Moment and check out 25 New TV Shows You NEED To Watch In 2025!

This post has been updated.

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6 Taylor Sheridan Movies To Fill The 'Yellowstone' Void In Your Life

If you're a loyal fan of Yellowstone and its gripping mix of drama, family dynamics, and Western grit, then you're probably familiar with the genius behind the show: Taylor Sheridan.

As both a writer and director with a ranching background, he's perfected a unique style that blends heart-pounding action with complex characters.

But while Yellowstone has undoubtedly made its mark on television, Taylor's talents extend beyond the small screen. If you can't get enough of his storytelling, here are six Taylor Sheridan films you need to check out.

Scroll to see which Taylor Sheridan movies you should watch if you love YellowstoneASAP!

Lionsgate

1. Sicario (2015)

Sicario is one of Taylor Sheridand's standout works. This crime thriller features FBI agent Kate Macer, played by Emily Blunt, as she's selected for a top-secret task force to win the war on drugs. She goes to the United States-Mexico border to tackle the cartel, working alongside a team of shadowy operatives.

Much like Yellowstone, Sicario, directed by Denis Villeneuve, thrives on suspense, intense violence, and morally complex characters.

CBS Films

2. Hell or High Water (2016)

If you're looking for a Sheridan film that most closely mirrors the world of Yellowstone, this movie might be the answer.

Hell or High Water is a neo-Western that follows Toby, a father struggling to save his family's ranch from foreclosure, who teams up with his ex-convict brother to rob banks in a desperate attempt to keep their land.

It blends classic Western themes with modern drama and explores deep family bonds amidst the harsh realities of financial hardship.

Acacia Filmed Entertainment

3. Wind River (2017)

Taylor Sheridan both wrote and directed Wind River, which features Cory Lamber (Jeremy Renner), a wildlife officer, and FBI agent Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen) as they investigate the murder of a young woman on a Native American reservation.

This film marked his directorial debut and showed off his skill in blending suspense with themes of prejudice, Native American struggles, and the violence of the American West.

Lionsgate

4. Sicario: Day Of The Soldado (2018)

In this follow-up to the original Sicario, agents Matt Graver and Alejandro Gillick return to the United States-Mexico border when the cartel starts smuggling terrorists into the U.S. The situation escalates when the agents kidnap the kingpin's daughter as leverage.

This sequel definitely didn't receive the same love as its predecessor, but Sicario: Day Of The Soldado is still a strong Saturday night movie pick for people who love storylines and character types like those in Yellowstone.

New Line Cinema

5. Those Who Wish Me Dead (2021)

Those Who Wish Me Dead follows Connor, a boy who's on the run from two hitmen during a wildfire. He teams up with a female smokejumper, trying to contain the flames as the killers pursue them.

This action-packed thriller has some of the same rural charm that fans love about Yellowstone, but presents a totally different narrative. It's tense, rated R, and stars Finn Little, Angelina Jolie, and Jake Weber, just to name a few.

Paramount+

6. Finestkind (2023)

Last but not least, Finestkind is based on two brothers from opposite sides of the tracks who reunite during adulthood in Boston. As they grapple with personal struggles, they turn to an organized crime syndicate for help and end up in a risky situation.

Given its urban setting and different character types, this movie might not seem anything like Yellowstone. Nonetheless, it shares key themes of family and moral conflict. Oh, and did we mention Jenna Ortega's (Wednesday, You) in it?!

Looking for more entertainment recs? Be sure to sign up for our newsletter!

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Sydney Sweeney Is A Total Bombshell After Postponing Her Wedding

Sydney Sweeney rocked the internet when she announced she'd postponed her wedding to Jonathan Davino. But she rocked my world when she showed up to the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty in a bombshell Barbie ensemble that I am immediately adding to my Pinterest. And we have the full breakdown on how you can achieve Sydney's drop dead gorgeous hair.

Here's how you can recreate Sydney Sweeney's hair from the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty.

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for Vanity Fair

Sydney Sweeney turned heads when she showed up to the Vanity Fair Oscars afterparty in a mesmerizing pink Miu Miu dress with a keyhole detail and mermaid style skirt.

To achieve that glossy, healthy hair, hairstylist Glen Oropeza used a couple drops from Kératase's new Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops, followed by the Kérastase L'Incroyable Blow Dry Hair Lotion. A hairdryer and round brush (plus a touch of hairspray) gave Syd's hair that bouncy finish.

One of my favorite tricks for my own straight hair is to apply a leave-in conditioner, like the Christophe Robin Hydrating Leave-In Cream, to my dry hair and let it soak up all that moisture. It makes it shinier, smoother, and healthier than ever!

This isn't the first time recently one of Sydney's looks started some serious online buzz. After a post of Sydney's new role as boxer Christy Martin received some hate comments, the actress clapped back with a video of her training for the movie.

“Well the cat’s out of the bag thanks to some paps in bushes so here’s a little BTS from my film I’m working on right now,” Sydney Sweeney said in an Instagram post. “Over the past few months, I’ve been immersed in training to bring to life the story of an incredible woman — a true champion who fought battles both inside and outside the ring. Her journey is a testament to resilience, strength, and hope, and I’m honored to step into her shoes to share her powerful story with you all. more to come soon :)."

“I grappled and did kickboxing from 12-19 years old," Sydney also told Deadline. "I’ve been itching to get back into the ring, train, and transform my body. Christy’s story isn’t a light one, it’s physically and emotionally demanding, there’s a lot of weight to carry. But I love challenging myself.”

Check out The 12 Best Dressed Stars On The Oscars Red Carpet.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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Simone Ashley Just Teased Who's Reuniting For 'Bridgerton' Season 4 (Exclusive)

Bridgerton season 4 might not be coming until 2026, but thanks to a special first look, we have just enough to tide us over (although, is there really ever enough to tide us over? I need full episodes STAT!!). In honor of her new movie Picture This (on Prime Video now), Simone Ashley talked about returning for Bridgerton season 4 — and teased a special reunion I can't wait for.

Here's what Simone Ashley said about Picture This and Bridgerton season 4 in Brit + Co's exclusive interview.

Simone Ashley says 'Bridgerton' season 4 "feels like home."

We already had confirmation that Simone Ashley would return to Bridgerton season 4 as Kate Sharma, and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to ask if she could tease what's in store for viewers. "I can't tease anything, but I can say I was filming a couple of weeks ago, with the girls," she tells Brit + Co. "I'm super excited to be back on the show. I'm so grateful for everything that that show has given me, and whenever I go back it, it just feels like home."

Okay, Simone might have said she couldn't tease anything but if you ask me "filming with the girls" is a tease in and of itself! I'm hoping we see Kate, Eloise, and Penelope get some serious girl time after all the drama during season 3. Kate was able to give Eloise some beautiful advice, and since season 4 focuses on Benedict's love story, I have my fingers crossed it'll be more or less smooth sailing for our favorite ladies.


Simone Ashley's character in Picture This, a portrait photographer named Pia, reminds me a lot of Kate. She's passionate, driven, and an eldest daughter who's constantly being told time is running out. When I ask Simone what she's excited about for the future, she admits she feels a mixture of anticipation and nerves.

"Yeah, I'm excited. And I'm gonna phrase it this way because I think excited is such a positive word and it's an amazing thing, but I think excited-scared is also a positive word," she says. "I'm excited-scared because so much mystery and change and possibilities that could happen in the future, right, that we don't know about."

However, she says that growing up and accepting the curve balls life throws at you is "like taking that jump for change."

"It's excited-scared, and then it's like when you jump into water and then you realize the water temperature's fine."

I couldn't agree more, Simone.

See Simone Ashley in Picture This, streaming on Prime Video now, and stay tuned for the latest Kate Sharma & Bridgerton season 4 updates! While you're waiting, go ahead and Meet The Bridgerton Season 4 Cast.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

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Whoa, Millie Bobby Brown Just Revealed Her Real Name

It’s pretty common for celebrities to go by a stage name or a different moniker entirely when they’re trying to break into showbiz. Take musicians for example. Before the world knew her as Rihanna, everyone in her life simply knew as Robyn Rihanna Fenty. And the same goes for actors as well. Did you know that The Office alum Mindy Kaling was born Vera Mindy Chokalingam?(Yeah, I was today years old when I learned that.) Even certain members of the British royal family have chosen not to go by their first name, given their high profile status. What if I told you Kate Middleton’s full name is Catherine Elizabeth Middleton? I know right, shocker!

Keep reading to learn more about the 22 celebrities who don’t actually go by their real name — and the reason why.

1. Emma Stone

Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Real Name: Emily Jean Stone

Back when Easy A alum Emma Stone was trying to break into the industry as an actress, she chose to go by a different name because there was already a person with the same moniker in the SAG.

So, in a 2017 interview with W Magazine, the Poor Things star shared that she wanted to go by Emily J. Stone, but decided against it. “So to ask a 16-year-old to pick a new name is really an interesting process, because I was like, ‘I’m going to be Riley’... And so my name was Riley Stone for about six months,” she told the publication at the time. “I changed it to Emma because you know it’s closer to Emily, but most people call me ‘M,’ that know me well.” Honestly, I think you could've pulled off the J, Emma.

2. Lady Gaga

Monica Schipper/Getty Images

Real Name: Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta

Turns out, the Bad Romance singer wasn’t gaga for her real name when she decided to break into Hollywood. Before entering the music industry, Germanotta chose her stage name “Lady Gaga” after she was apparently inspired by the 1984 Queen single “Radio Gaga.” Huh, who would’ve thought?

3. The Weeknd

Wagner Meier/Getty Images for Live Nation

Real Name: Abel Makkonen Tesfaye

Years before the world knew him as “The Weeknd,” Tesfaye chose his professional name when he left home at a young age. During a Reddit Ask Me Anything segment, the singer revealed, "I left home when I was about 17 dropped out of high school and convinced [my friend] Lamar to do the same.”

He continued, “We grabbed our mattresses from our parents threw it in our friends sh—ty van and left one weekend and never came back home. It was gonna be the title of HOB [House of Balloons]. I hated my name at the time though so I tried it as a stage name. It sounded cool. I took out the “e” because there was already a Canadian band named the weekend (copyright issues).”

4. Gigi Hadid

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

Real Name: Jelena Hadid

In case you didn’t know, the proud mom went by “Gigi” early on in her childhood. (FYI: Gigi was also her mom’s childhood nickname too.) But in a 2015 interview with Vogue, Hadid shared that everyone started calling her “Gigi” once she started grad school.

“In first or second grade, there was a girl named Helena and it got confusing with the teacher who had to call out our names, and so the teacher asked my mom, ‘If I needed to call Jelena a nickname, what would it be?’ And my mom was like, ‘I call her Gigi sometimes,’ and the name stuck,” the supermodel explained at the time.

5. Millie Bobby Brown

Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images

Real Name: Millie Bonnie Brown (Bongiovi ;))

Millie Bobby Brown revealed in a The Electric State interview that her name is actually Millie Bonnie Brown, and that she created the stage name for "sh—ts and giggles."

"It's not Bobby," she says. "It's Millie Bonnie Brown...I've never told anyone that."

6. Brad Pitt

Julien M. Hekimian/Getty Images

Real Name: William Bradley Pitt

Apparently, Brad Pitt is another celebrity who likes going by his middle name. But, according to Page Six, the longtime actor actually prefers introducing himself by his first name when he’s flirting with women.

7. Marilyn Monroe

Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Real Name: Norma Jeane Mortenson

We're throwing it back with this celebrity name! Fun fact: Mortenson took the name Dougherty after her first marriage. But how did she come up with the name we're all so familiar with? Per Time, the beloved actress chose to say goodbye to her last name after a 20th Century Fox studio executive thought that there would be too many mispronunciations with her last name. So, she decided to drop her last name in exchange for her mom’s maiden name: Monroe. In addition, the exec gave her the name “Marilyn” because she reminded him of a 1920s Broadway star named Marilyn Miller.

8. Natalie Portman

Arturo Holmes/Getty Images

Real Name: Neta-Lee Hershlag

Originally, Portman was given a traditional Hebrew name before immigrating to the United States in 1984, where her family changed their surname to Portman. Then, the actress’s first name, Neta-Lee (which was her maternal grandmother’s maiden name) later became Natalie.

9. ​Cardi B

Catherine Powell/Getty Images for MTV

Real Name: Belcalis Almanzar

Though everyone knows her as Cardi B, her diehard fans can attest to the fact she was given a different name at birth. Born Belcalis Almanzar, her stage name is actually short for Bacardi (you know, like the rum). While appearing on an episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the rapper shared the origin of her pseudonym.

“My sister's name is Hennessy,” the rapper told Fallon. “So everyone used to call me Bacardi, and I started calling myself Bacardi, which eventually was shortened to Cardi B.”

10. Chloe Bennet

Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

Real Name: Chloe Wong

While promoting her new show Interior Chinatown, Chloe Bennet sat down with Brit + Co and shared why she felt the need to go by a different name than what she was given at birth, which is Chloe Wong. “Early on in my career, my mixed race seemed to be so much more of a thing than I ever understood it as growing up,” the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D alum explained. “I come from a very diverse household and my dad is Chinese. I think I felt more Chinese than what the world perceived me as and that was a weird concept for me.”

The 32-year-old actress went on to share how she changed her surname to Bennet (aka her father’s name) on her resume and she started booking more roles. “I am still not Chloe Bennet. I am Chloe Wong,” she says in the interview.

11. Kit Harington

Amy Sussman/Getty Images for AFI

Real Name: Christopher Catesby Harington

Many of us are taught how to pronounce our given name from a very young age. But for Kit Harington, the Game of Thrones star wasn’t told his first name until he was 11 years old. In a 2014 interview with Glamour, the British actor explained how his parents refrained from telling his real name because “they could see that I wanted to be Kit, but Christopher was a bit of a tradition.”

He continued, "My brother’s name is Jack, but his real name is John. Kit is traditionally an offshoot of Christopher, it’s just not used that often. My middle name is Catesby.”

12. ​Jamie Foxx

Joe Maher/Getty Images

Real Name: Eric Marlon Bishop

Did you know Eric Marlon Bishop chose his stage name “Jamie Foxx” when he first started doing stand up? Back in 2015, Foxx sat down with David Letterman and explained how he tried aiming for a “unisex name” when it came time for him to choose a professional alias.

“I noticed that like 1,000 guys showed up and only three girls, but the three girls would always get a spot,” the singer and actor revealed when recounting the time he signed up for a slot in the standup lineup. “So I went to the list and wrote down a unisex name…Jamie Foxx.” And it looks like the name just stuck.

13. ​Lana Del Ray

Rebecca Sapp/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Real Name: Elizabeth Woolridge Grant

Until the age of 25, Lizzy (aka Elizabeth) Grant reinvented herself and took on a new name when she tried breaking into the music biz—and that’s how Lana Del Rey came to be. According to The Guardian, she not only changed her name, but her entire persona and image. #Iconic

​14. Bruno Mars

Bryan Steffy/Getty Images for Keep Memory Alive

Real Name: Peter Gene Hernandez

Before he caught a grenade for us, the Finesse singer was called Bruno by his family because, when he was a baby, he resembled the professional wrestler Bruno Sammartino. But when it came to his last name, the Hawaiian-born musician thought it would be best to drop it and adopt the Mars surname. “Your last name’s Hernandez, maybe you should do this Latin music, this Spanish music...Enrique's so hot right now,” he jokes in a 2013 interview with GQ.

​15. Demi Moore

Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for Paramount+

Real Name: Demetria Guynes

Long before she starred in The Substance, the longtime actress (born Demetria Guynes) tied the knot with rock star Freddy Moore at the age of 17 and took his last name. Though the marriage ended after four-and-a-half years, she’s been known as Demi Moore ever since.

16. ​John Legend

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Real Name: John Roger Stephens

Tonight’s the night that…you’re going to learn how John Legend got his stage name! In a 2008 interview with MTV News (via People), the EGOT winner shared the story behind how he came up with his professional name. “John Legend is a nickname that some friends started calling me, and it kind of grew into my stage name,” he said at the time. “‘Legend’ is something that I never would have chosen for myself originally. It grew to the point where more people in my circle would know me by that name than by my real name.”

17. Miley Cyrus

Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Real Name: Destiny Hope Cyrus

Don’t worry, Destiny Hope Cyrus can buy herself flowers! As it turns out, the Grammy-award winner’s stage name dates back to her childhood, when her family would call her “Smiley,” which ultimately turned into “Miley.” And the rest is history.

18. Halsey

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Real Name: Ashley Frangipane

Turns out, Halsey’s stage name is not anagram of her first name, Ashley. Back in 2015, the singer sat down with VEVO and revealed that she was inspired by Halsey Street in Brooklyn, where she would spend weekends making music with her friend.

19. Meg Ryan

Kevin Winter/Getty Images

Real Name: Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra

Apparently "Meg Ryan Fall" isn't a totally accurate moniker because Meg's real name is Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra! Meg is a common nickname for Margaret, but she got Ryan from her maternal grandmother's maiden name.

20. Nina Dobrev

Francois Durand/Getty Images

Real Name: Nikolina Kamenova Dobreva

Originally born Nikolina in Bulgaria, our favorite Vampire Diaries star (and recent fiancée!) adopted "Nina" for her stage name because she reportedly figured it would be easier for fans to remember.

21. Reese Witherspoon

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Real Name: Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon

Speaking of Jeane's, did you know Reese Witherspoon's name is actually Laura Jeanne? Yup, according to Vogue, the Legally Blonde star took on her mom’s maiden name early on in her career and the moniker Reese Witherspoon was born. It's also why she only calls Big Little Lies costar Laura Dern "Dern."

22. ​Lucy Hale

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Real Name: Karen Lucille Hale

Lucy Hale has a secret…her full name is Karen Lucille Hale. As it turns out, the Pretty Little Liarsalum decided to ditch her first name and go by the nickname of her middle name: Lucy.

23. Meghan Markle

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Real Name: Rachel Meghan Markle

Before she became the Duchess of Sussex, Markle simply went by her first name: Rachel. But now, she goes by her middle name professionally. Markle is rarely addressed by her first name in public. However, an exception was made in 2018 when The Sun reported that the late Queen Elizabeth II blessed Markle’s marriage with now husband Prince Harry and addressed the duchess by her full name.

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This post has been updated.

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