Conan O’Brien Kicks Off the 2025 Oscars with Humor and Heart
The 97th Annual Academy Awards, hosted for the first time by Conan O’Brien, opened with a bang as the beloved comedian brought his signature wit and charm to the Dolby Theatre stage. O’Brien wasted no time in setting the tone for the evening, delivering a hilarious and lighthearted monologue that had the star-studded audience laughing out loud. Among his many jokes, he playfully called out best actress nominee Karla Sofía Gascón, referencing her publicist’s alleged use of the f-word. “Karla, if you’re gonna tweet about the Oscars, remember—my name is Jimmy Kimmel,” O’Brien quipped, leaving Gascón and the rest of the crowd in stitches. The moment was a classic example of O’Brien’s ability to poke fun at the absurdities of Hollywood while keeping the mood light and fun.
Addressing Controversy with Humor: Karla Sofía Gascón in the Spotlight
Karla Sofía Gascón, nominated for her powerful role in Emilia Pérez, has been a subject of conversation this award season—not just for her acting prowess but also for resurfaced offensive remarks she made on social media in the past. O’Brien cleverly acknowledged the elephant in the room by poking fun at her publicist’s colorful language, a joke that seemed to land well with the audience. Gascón herself appeared to take the jab in stride, smiling as O’Brien playfully addressed her. Earlier, she had issued an apology to Variety, expressing remorse for her past comments and the pain they caused. While the moment was undeniably awkward, O’Brien’s approach kept the focus on the night’s celebration rather than the controversy.
Laughter and Light-Hearted Jokes: O’Brien’s Signature Style
Conan O’Brien’s monologue was a masterclass in blending humor with Hollywood glamour. He didn’t hold back when it came to roasting the nominees and the industry itself. Among his targets was best actor nominee Timothée Chalamet, who turned heads with his striking bright yellow suit. “Love that suit. You will not get hit on your bike tonight!” O’Brien joked, prompting Chalamet and his seatmate Kylie Jenner to burst into laughter. The A Complete Unknown star, nominated for his portrayal of a reclusive Bob Dylan, was also the subject of another clever quip: “Bob Dylan wanted to be here tonight, but not that badly.” O’Brien’s jokes were self-aware and irreverent, perfectly capturing the absurdity of award season while keeping the tone playful.
A Touching Tribute to the Power of Cinema
Amid the humor and roasts, Conan O’Brien took a moment to reflect on the deeper significance of the Oscars. In a heartfelt segment, he highlighted the unsung heroes of the film industry—the craftspeople, artisans, and technicians whose work often goes unseen but is essential to bringing stories to life. “They’re not famous, they’re not wealthy. But they are devoted to a craft that can, in moments, bring us all a little closer together,” he said, as the crowd erupted in applause. O’Brien also emphasized the enduring power of cinema to unite people, even in the face of challenges like wildfires and divisive politics. His words served as a poignant reminder of why the Oscars matter—not just as a celebration of talent but as a tribute to the collective effort that makes movies magic.
A Host’s Reflections: Conan O’Brien on His Oscars Journey
Conan O’Brien’s hosting debut was a moment many years in the making. In interviews leading up to the event, he shared his excitement and humility about the opportunity. “I have a big happy grin, yeah,” he told Good Morning America. “I have an amazing team of writers. We have been going through tons of ideas, and I’m excited because I grew up watching the Oscars, and it is something [that’s] imprinted on my memory.” O’Brien also couldn’t resist a joke about his own future, quipping, “I’m leaving Hollywood to run a bed and breakfast in Orlando.” While the audience laughed at the absurdity, his closing remarks were a sincere nod to the lasting impact of cinema. “The magic, the madness, the grandeur, and the joy of film worldwide is going to be with us forever,” he said, leaving the audience with a sense of hope and camaraderie.
And the Show Goes On: A Night of Laughter and Celebration
As the night progressed, Conan O’Brien’s antics kept the energy high. From a pre-show skit where he climbed out of and then into Demi Moore’s character to find his lost shoe, to his witty one-liners about Netflix’s dominance (“Netflix is leading the studios with an impressive 18 … price increases”), O’Brien proved himself to be a natural fit for the Oscars stage. The night was a seamless blend of humor, heart, and Hollywood magic, all tied together by O’Brien’s quick wit and infectious enthusiasm. As the ceremony came to a close, it was clear that Conan O’Brien had officially cemented his place as one of the great Oscars hosts—leaving behind a legacy of laughs, heartfelt moments, and a reminder of the power of storytelling.
