The SNL 50 Anniversary Special was the hottest ticket in town on February 16—preferably right next to Emma Stone and her custom Louis Vuitton dress filled with popcorn.
Frankly, there were too many celebrity appearances to name in one article, considering the audience was overflowing with former Saturday Night Live superstars and other Hollywood A-listers. Between Meryl Streep giving the camera the middle finger and Ryan Reynolds’ unexpected nod to the Justin Baldoni lawsuits, SNL 50 was filled with unexpected moments tailor-made for internet virality.
So, what were the best celebrity cameos from the SNL 50 Anniversary Special? Between Cecily Strong’s return to “Weekend Update” and Pedro Pascal’s rendition of “Espresso” in a new “Domingo” sketch, here are just some of the most memorable appearances of the night.
Every Time Sabrina Carpenter Took the Stage
The entire show opened with a duet by Sabrina Carpenter and Paul Simon, who first performed “Homeward Bound” on Saturday Night Live with George Harrison back in 1976. “I was not born then—and neither were my parents,” Carpenter joked before the genuinely touching performance.
Later, Carpenter appeared in the latest rendition of the “Domingo” sketch starring Marcello Hernández. For her first appearance in the popular sketch, Carpenter took on Ariana Grande’s role as the tone-deaf bestie singing at a couple’s vow renewal. This time, however, Kelsey and Matt’s big night was not only interrupted by Domingo, but also by his brothers, Ronaldo and Santiago (Pedro Pascal and Bad Bunny).
The sketch also featured Martin Short and Molly Shannon as Kelsey’s parents. The songs that were reworded by the “Kelse Squad” included Wicked‘s “Defying Gravity” and Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me.” And for the first time, the sketch featured Matt’s groomsmen, The Doormatts, who performed their own rendition of “Espresso.” 10/10.
Read moreMarcello Hernández’s SNL Character Domingo Got ‘Arrested’ at Sabrina Carpenter’s Concert
There’s just something about him.…
Meryl Streep Gets Abducted In “Close Encounter”
Kate McKinnon’s alien abduction sketch is always a favorite, largely thanks to how often guests break character in fits of giggles. This time, McKinnon, Woody Harrelson, and Pascal were debriefed about their abduction by US Space Force officers played by Aidy Bryant and Jon Hamm. Streep arrived later, playing our favorite abductee’s sister and perfectly matched the McKinnon’s freak. Yes, everybody broke.
Eddie Murphy, Tracy Morgan, and Leslie Jones Play Black Jeopardy With Tom Hanks and Chris Rock
Has there ever been a more star-studded cast of Keenan Thompson’s hit game-show sketch? This time, Eddie Murphy hilariously impersonated Tracy Morgan, who was also in the sketch as a man named Darius, while Leslie Jones played a woman named Shanice. One clue was delivered by Chris Rock (as himself), while Tom Hanks reprised his role as a MAGA supporter named Doug.
Emma Stone and Molly Shannon Celebrate Physical Comedy
I don’t have to explain why this one made the cut, do I?
Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph Bring Back Bronx Beat
Our favorite morning hosts, Betty and Jodi, pulled actor Miles Teller from the audience for an interview before chatting with “Coffee Talk” host Linda Richman, famously played by Mike Meyers.
Miley Cyrus’ Performs “Nothing Compares 2 U” with Brittany Howard
The stunning performance was introduced by Aubrey Plaza.
Cecily Strong Wins Best “Weekend Update” Cameo
Though the 50th anniversary special edition of “Weekend Update” caught up with fan-favorite characters like Drunk Uncle (Bobby Moynihan) and Lorne’s Best Friends from Growing Up (Fred Armisen and Vanessa Bayer), there was no one we wanted to hear from more than the Girl You Wish You Hadn’t Started a Conversation With at a Party.
Like the former SNL cast member that created her, GYWYHSCWAP is currently pregnant but doesn’t appreciate Michael Che mentioning it. “Wow, you just assume I’m pregnant? Just cuz I have a baby inside me? That’s misogynastic,” she tells him before diving into the apoca-clyptic state of the world.
Everyone In Amy Poehler and Tina Fey’s Q+A
Ryan Reynolds wasn’t the only celebrity teeing up jokes for the former “Weekend Update” dream team. Quinta Brunson, Nate Bargatze, Jon Lovitz, Julia Marie Dreyfus, Adam Driver, Cher, Keith Richards, Zach Galifianakis, Jon Hamm, Bad Bunny, Seth Meyers, Reverend Al Sharpton, Ray Romano, Jason Momoa, Fred Armisen, and Peyton Manning all contributed to nine minutes of name that celeb.
During the bit, Meyers said, “It kind of feels like this whole question and answer thing is just a way for you guys to give some air time to celebrities who aren’t in other parts of the show.” To which I (and Reverand Al Sharpton and Ray Romano) would like to say, “Shhhhhhh.”
You can see even more sketches and celebrity moments from SNL’s 50th anniversary special here.
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