Ego Nwodim stuns 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' audience by admitting she’s never seen this classic film

The SNL alum shocked the audience by revealed that she's never watched The Godfather

Comedian and Saturday Night Live alum Ego Nwodim surprised the Jimmy Kimmel Live! audience this week with a revelation that drew audible gasps: she’s never seen The Godfather, one of the most iconic films in cinema history.

Nwodim made the confession during her February 10 appearance on the late-night show while promoting her role as host of the upcoming Film Independent Spirit Awards. The actress and comedian explained that actor Josh Brolin once teased her about her movie knowledge, joking that she seemed like someone who “had never seen any movies before.”

To remedy the perceived gap in her cinematic education, Brolin curated a list of 53 essential films that he suggested she watch — but so far, Nwodim admits she’s only made it through Steven Spielberg’s Jaws.

When host Jimmy Kimmel asked which film on Brolin’s list would shock viewers the most that she hasn’t seen, Nwodim didn’t hesitate: The Godfather. The audience’s reaction was immediate, with gasps and laughter filling the studio. Raising her hands in mock defense, she quipped that she thought the show was a “safe space” for admissions like hers, and promised she intends to catch up on the classics she’s missed over the years.

Nwodim also reflected on how modern streaming culture has changed the way younger generations approach “classic” films. She joked that while she may have missed The Godfather, she’s still very familiar with recent critically acclaimed films and has been keeping up with the nominees for the Spirit Awards. Her humor and candidness resonated with the audience, highlighting both her charm and relatability.

In addition to sharing this surprising tidbit, Nwodim expressed excitement about hosting the Spirit Awards, saying she looks forward to celebrating the filmmakers and actors behind the year’s most compelling independent films. She emphasized the importance of diversity in storytelling and highlighted several titles she’s particularly eager to showcase during the ceremony.

By the end of her segment, Nwodim had transformed what could have been a potentially embarrassing admission into a humorous and engaging moment, proving once again why she’s beloved by audiences for her wit, self-awareness, and down-to-earth personality.