Jon Stewart gets a "B" for his opener

Well, at least Jon Stewart is more relaxed this time. Two years ago it was painful watching him punch the jokes too hard and this time he had many more specifically aimed at members of the audience with whom he has little in common. As I often say, this awardsfest is Hollywood's annual reunion and the best host should be an esteemed member of the family, so it's tough to bring in a comic from New York. But Stewart just did what good hosts do: He specifically pointed to members of the audience and tweaked them personally: Diablo Cody getting a pay cut going from stripper to screenwriter, Jack Nicholson as "rabbi." And, apparently, he does have some strong personal connections with Hollywooders. He referred to his good friend Javier Bardem.

Of course, he riffed on politics too. Best joke: Oscar at age 80 is now old enough to be the Republican nominee for prez. Worst joke: "Gaydolf Titler."