Glenn Close admits studying Da Butt, watching the video before the Oscars


Oscars 2021 had several iconic moments. There was Daniel Kaluuya’s gaffe when he thanked his parents for having sex to have him. Another fun moment is when Glenn Close answered a question about the song “Da Butt” during a music trivia bit and actually did the dance. Glenn was at a table with Daniel Kaluuya (no conspiracy here), Chris Terrio and Darrel Britt-Gibson. She wrote in an Instagram post that she knew that Lil Rel was going to ask her about the iconic song “Da Butt” from Spike Lee’s School Daze. Glenn said that she did her research and was ready. She even watched “Da Butt” video. The exchange that ensued was hilarious. Here is what Glenn wrote about it on Instagram.

We had the MOST FUN at our table at the Oscars last night. Chris Terrio, one of my best friends, who won an Oscar for the screenplay of ARGO, was my gallant escort. Daniel Kaluuya and Darrell Britt-Gibson were wonderful table mates. I knew that Lil Rel was going to quiz me about Da Butt and all three guys helped me run through what I was to say. Darrell insisted that I mention the Backyard Band, on top of E.U., Suga Bear and the whole DMV. I had googled “Da Butt” and watched Spike’s music video so when Lil Rel asked if I could do the dance…you can actually see me think of the video. That part was completely spontaneous. Daniel, Darrell and Chris egged me on!!! It was ALL their fault. CONGRATULATIONS DANIEL on your BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR Oscar. You are completely brilliant. I now consider both Daniel and Darrell to be friends-for-life!

[From Instagram]

Glenn Close, like Jane Fonda, is a real one. Lil Rel was NOT READY for the brilliance that is Glenn Close. Glenn shocked the hell out of Lil Rel when she knew everything about the song and I think Lil Rel was shook when Glenn stood up and did the damn dance. Get it Glenn. I love the fact that Glenn took it upon herself to research information on “Da Butt”, the history of the band E.U., Go Go music, and the actual dance from the song. I also love how Glenn gave a shout out to Spike Lee and School Daze’s Oscar snub.

The fact that Glenn actually did the dance was icing on the proverbial cake. The exchange between Lil Rel and Glenn is iconic and a moment I won’t soon forget. I am sure the people in the D.C. Metro area felt equally as proud. I lived in Bethesda, which is right outside of D.C., when I was in the Navy in 1995 and I fell in love with go-go music. D.C. folks particularly take their go-go music very seriously. It makes me smile that Glenn got her moment to shine.

Here is the video of the full exchange:

photos credit: Avalon.red

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13 Responses to “Glenn Close admits studying Da Butt, watching the video before the Oscars”

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  1. Snuffles says:

    D.C. Metro gal here! Yes, I’m a sucker for a go-go beat! Da Butt is a classic. But I mostly listen to Chuck Brown. People will slap a go go beat on ANYTHING. YouTube to go go remix of Lorde’s “Royals”, it works SO well!

    • Levans says:

      I lived in the district for nearly 10 years and only moved for my husbands job. I love go-go and it’s a shame some of the music and vibrancy of the various neighborhoods are being lost when gentrifiers move in and complain. There was a big incident several years ago when a store was told they could no longer play music due to complaints.

      There is a go-go version of “pieces of me” and Adele that got so much airplay that they grew on me.

      I’m not mad at this skit or Glenn for studying. It was cute and to see her actually do the dance was a needed fun moment.

  2. JRenee says:

    How has she never received an Oscar? So many great performances. I have enjoyed her work over the years!

  3. ABritGuest says:

    Glenn Close was a great sport- her little segment was fun. She’s an acting great so hope she gets her flowers whilst she’s still around.

  4. MarJo says:

    That was probably the best moment of the 2021 Oscars.

  5. Sofia says:

    I’m glad Glenn didn’t take herself too seriously and did it. A lot of other actresses would have refused (though I wouldn’t blame her if she did) so it was a good fun moment from her.

  6. Jewell says:

    I’m just cracking up thinking about Glenn Closs watching School Daze.

  7. SaySo says:

    No one thought it was real, but it was cute and funny!

  8. Trillion says:

    Why use the word “admit”? Did anyone think this was spontaneous?

  9. Renee says:

    I don’t understand how this woman has not won an Oscar. I get Hillbilly Elegy was a mess, but really….never won??!! Dangerous Liaisons, Fatal Attraction, The Wife….I really don’t understand.

  10. MissMarirose says:

    I want to know what she said that was bleeped out.

    Can anyone here read lips???

  11. molee says:

    Of course Glenn researched and prepared for the exchange, and I like how she delivered her lines in a way that indicated that she was in on the joke. When Lil Rel asked her to do the Da Butt dance, she looked so mischievous because she was ready to respond to his challenge and expand the skit’s back-and-forth improv. I doubt anyone thinks/thought of Glenn Close as a Go Go fan, but she had prepared enough to turn the tables on Lil Rel’s mild gotcha moment, and it was delightful and charming.

  12. Concern Fae says:

    NoVa native here. At my HS it was an automatic suspension if you got caught doing ‘Da Butt’ at a school dance. And now Glen Frickin Close is doing it live on the gotdamn OSCARS!!! Admittedly, the scandalous version of Da Butt was a two person dance, with both parties facing in the same direction. It was the butt-junk contact that got you suspended.