Conan O’Brien Delivers a Dynamic and Hilarious Opening at the 2025 Oscars

Conan O’Brien kicked off the 2025 Oscars with an energetic and engaging performance, setting the tone for an unforgettable night. Known for his vibrant stage presence and sharp wit, O’Brien immediately captivated the audience with his unique blend of humor and charm. His opening monologue was a masterclass in comedic timing, effortlessly weaving together jokes that targeted the film industry, current events, and even some of the ceremony’s most controversial moments. The audience was in stitches as O’Brien took the stage, promising a night filled with laughter and celebration of cinematic excellence.

Lighting the Fuse: Conan Tackles Karla Sofía Gascón’s Controversy

One of the most striking moments of Conan’s monologue came when he addressed the recent controversy surrounding Karla Sofía Gascón, the star of "Emilia Pérez." Gascón had made headlines earlier in the awards season when old X posts resurfaced, containing offensive remarks about Muslims, diversity at the Oscars, and a derogatory comment about George Floyd. O’Brien wasted no time in addressing the elephant in the room, cleverly integrating the controversy into his jokes about the Best Picture nominees.

While discussing "Anora," one of the nominated films, O’Brien quipped, "I loved ‘Anora.’ I really did. True story. Little fact for you, ‘Anora’ uses the f-word 479 times. That’s three more than the record set by Karla Sofía Gascón’s publicist." The audience erupted in laughter at the unexpected comparison, and O’Brien didn’t stop there. Later in the monologue, he turned to Gascón directly, saying, "And Karla, if you’re going to tweet about the Oscars, remember, my name is Jimmy Kimmel." The joke not only poked fun at Gascón’s social media mishaps but also playfully reminded the audience of the perils of online communication in the age of viral controversies.

No Sacred Cows: Conan Takes Aim at Everything from the Catholic Church to AI

Conan O’Brien’s monologue was a testament to his fearless approach to comedy, leaving no stone unturned as he tackled a wide range of topics with his signature irreverence. From the Catholic Church to artificial intelligence, Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos, and even folk legend Bob Dylan, O’Brien’s jokes were both unexpected and hilarious. His ability to find humor in the most unlikely places kept the audience engaged and guessing, ensuring that no one in the room felt entirely safe from his comedic wrath.

One of the most memorable moments of the monologue came when O’Brien delivered a clever quip about Jeff Bezos, poking fun at the Amazon founder’s notorious wealth and influence. His jokes about the Catholic Church were equally biting, though delivered with the lightheartedness that has come to define his comedic style. Even Bob Dylan wasn’t spared, as O’Brien playfully jabbed at the legendary musician’s enigmatic persona. The monologue was a masterful blend of sharp wit and clever wordplay, showcasing O’Brien’s unparalleled ability to find humor in even the most mundane subjects.

Showstopping Entertainment: The Musical Number Steals the Show

The highlight of Conan O’Brien’s opening performance was undoubtedly the musical number, titled "I Won’t Waste Time," which brought the audience to their feet. Featuring a dancing Deadpool and the sandworm from "Dune 2," the number was a visually stunning and wildly entertaining spectacle that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of the Oscars. The inclusion of such eclectic characters added a touch of whimsy to the performance, making it a moment that would be remembered long after the ceremony ended.

The musical number was not only a testament to O’Brien’s creativity but also a clever way to celebrate the diversity of the films nominated for Best Picture. By bringing together such iconic characters, O’Brien created a sense of unity and shared joy that resonated with the audience. The energy of the performance was infectious, and it set the tone for a night filled with excitement and celebration.

Walking the Fine Line: Conan’s Careful Approach to Politics

While Conan O’Brien’s monologue was filled with humor, it was also carefully crafted to avoid diving too deep into political territory. In an interview with The New York Times prior to the ceremony, O’Brien revealed that he had given considerable thought to where he would direct his jokes, stating, "It is all about threading the needle. I’m there, really, to talk about these films, to talk about the industry." He acknowledged that some political jokes would inevitably find their way into the monologue, but he was determined not to let them overshadow the main focus of the event.

O’Brien’s approach to humor is rooted in his belief that the Oscars should be a time for celebration and unity, rather than division. "However anyone voted should not be a prerequisite for whether you enjoy the show," he said. "I feel very strongly about that." This philosophy was evident throughout his monologue, as he skillfully navigated the fine line between humor and sensitivity. By keeping the focus on the films and the industry, O’Brien ensured that the ceremony remained a positive and inclusive experience for everyone involved.

A Night to Remember: Conan’s Oscars Debut is a Resounding Success

Conan O’Brien’s hosting debut at the Oscars was a resounding success, leaving both the audience and viewers at home in awe of his comedic prowess. From his clever jokes about Karla Sofía Gascón’s controversy to his showstopping musical number, O’Brien delivered a performance that was both memorable and entertaining. His ability to walk the fine line between humor and sensitivity was a testament to his skill as a comedian and his deep understanding of the event’s significance.

As the ceremony came to a close, it was clear that Conan O’Brien had made a lasting impression on the Oscars. His monologue set the tone for a night filled with excitement, laughter, and celebration of the films that have captivated audiences over the past year. Whether he was poking fun at the industry’s biggest stars or delivering a heartfelt tribute to the art of filmmaking, O’Brien’s performance was a reminder of the power of humor to bring people together. The 2025 Oscars will be remembered not only for the incredible films that were honored but also for the unforgettable night that Conan O’Brien brought to life with his unique brand of comedy.