Conan O’Brien has made a splashy debut as the host of the 2025 Oscars, where his humor, charisma, and ability to interweave politics with entertainment kept the ceremony lively and engaging. Known predominantly as a talk show host with a quick wit, O’Brien’s first-time hosting of the Academy Awards was met with broad praise. His antics included a song about not wasting time, clever quips directed at first-time winners, and touching tributes to iconic actors and film franchises. Yet, what captivated audiences most prominently was his readiness to weave political humor into his routine.
O’Brien seized a moment during the evening to make a audacious political remark, linked to the film “Anora” which had a remarkable night, clinching five awards, including Best Picture. In making reference to the film’s plot—centered on a sex worker involved with a Russian oligarch’s son—O’Brien made a jab at the expense of former President Donald Trump. The comedian quipped, “Americans are excited to see somebody finally stand up to a powerful Russian,” a remark that resonated with uproarious laughter from those seated in the Dolby Theatre audience.
Hollywood Isn’t Afraid To Get Political
The 2025 Oscars highlighted a penchant for the entertainment industry to not shy away from the political turbulence of the times. Directorial duo of “No Other Land,” a movie that snatched several awards, were not timid in their post-win address, delivering a candid critique of American foreign policy regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Additionally, actress Daryl Hannah advocated for Ukraine’s cause prior to presenting the Achievement in Film Editing award. Further, an entire segment was dedicated to the devastating Los Angeles wildfires that followed President Trump’s controversial threats to withhold disaster relief from California.
The heat of O’Brien’s quip could be traced back to then-recent diplomatic commotion, when Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stirring international debate and domestic Republican dissent, even prompting criticism from within his own party by figures like Congressman Mike Lawler, as noted by NPR.
Conan’s remarks will likely brew controversy, echoing a familiar pattern of the public square reacting dynamically to high-profile, politically charged Oscar moments. Even last year, as Trump publicly critiqued Jimmy Kimmel’s hosting, a similar pattern of public reaction unfolded, and it remains to be seen how Trump will respond to O’Brien’s pointed humor.
Closing Credits
If history tells us anything, it is that the Oscars have long served as a platform for political expression. It was back in 1973 when Marlon Brando declined his Best Actor award for “The Godfather,” sending Sacheen Littlefeather to make a stand on behalf of Indigenous rights and ongoing activism. Similarly, O’Brien’s jest is a contemporary salvo that underscores Hollywood’s unwillingness to wholly divorce art from the broader sociopolitical landscape. His comments sparked laughter rather than scorn, highlighting how such loaded moments are now expected fare at the Oscars.
This blend of entertainment and critical socio-political discourse emphasizes the Oscars’ ongoing role as a cultural touchpoint that echoes the complexities of global and domestic politics today. As we look toward future ceremonies, the interplay between Hollywood and politics does not seem to be waning anytime soon.
