Oscars host welcomes donkey on stage in nod to The Banshees Of Inisherin

Jimmy Kimmel brought out a donkey bearing the same name as the four-legged break-out star of Martin McDonagh’s dark comedy.

Jimmy Kimmel walks onstage with Jenny, the miniature emotional support donkey, at the Oscars on Sunday (Chris Pizzello/AP) (AP)

Jimmy Kimmel was joined on stage at the Oscars by an “emotional support donkey” bearing the same name as the four-legged star of The Banshees of Inisherin.

The miniature donkey was the break-out star of Martin McDonagh’s dark comedy, which was nominated for a host of awards at the 95th Oscars on Sunday.

While presenting, Kimmel brought out a donkey, in a nod to the animal who acted as a sidekick for Colin Farrell’s character Padraic, and joked the animal had been flown over “from Ireland” especially for the awards.

“She’s one of the stars of The Banshees Of Inisherin,” Kimmel said.

“Not only is she an actor, she’s a certified emotional support donkey – or at least that’s what we told the airline to get her on the plane from Ireland.

“So if you’re feeling upset or if you win or you’re anxious or you maybe just love mules, feel free to come up and give her a hug.”

Kimmel pointed out her “friend” Farrell, watching on in the audience, as well as Brendan Gleeson, who gave the donkey an enthusiastic wave.

“Let’s get you back on that Spirit Airlines flight now.”

Jenny the donkey was actually played by two donkeys in real life — Jenny and Rosie, who are currently residing away from the spotlight, according to their trainer Megan Hines.

The Banshees Of Inisherin and other Irish talent faced stiff competition from awards season juggernaut Everything Everywhere All At Once, who beat out Gleeson and Barry Keoghan as Ke Huy Quan picked up the Oscar for best actor in a supporting role at the Dolby Theatre.