The 97th Academy Awards were packed with unforgettable moments, but the real scene-stealer of the night? Conan O’Brien’s hosting debut. The comedian, known for his razor-sharp wit, did not hold back, delivering some of the best Oscars jokes in years—and even surprising the audience with an unexpected musical performance.
Conan’s Best Jokes: Hollywood, You’ve Been Roasted
From the moment he stepped on stage, Conan made it clear this wasn’t going to be a night of overly polite humor. Instead, he went all in on Hollywood’s biggest stars and the film industry itself.
On the Academy’s reputation for long speeches:
“Welcome to the Oscars, where we celebrate cinema the only way we know how—by making the winners walk half a mile to accept their awards.”
On Sean Baker’s historic Anora sweep:
“Sean Baker won so many Oscars tonight that the Academy is now investigating whether he directed the telecast too.”
On the Kendrick Lamar/Drake feud:
We’re halfway through the show, which means it’s time for Kendrick Lamar to come out and call Drake a pedophile.”
This joke alluded to Lamar’s recent diss track, “Not Like Us,” where he refers to Drake as a “certified pedophile,” a play on Drake’s album title Certified Lover Boy. The track has been at the center of legal disputes, with Drake filing lawsuits against Universal Music Group, alleging defamation and harassment.
On Dune: Part Two winning Best Sound:
“Congratulations to Dune: Part Two for winning Best Sound. Now if only they could find a way to let me understand what the hell anyone is saying in those movies.”
On Adam Sandler showing up in gym shorts:
“Some people spent months picking out their Oscar outfits. Adam Sandler just grabbed what was closest to the door and said, ‘Good enough.’”
On Wicked and Ariana Grande’s voice:
“Ariana Grande is so talented that she hit a note tonight only dogs and James Cameron’s Avatar whales could hear.”
Conan’s Show-Stopping Musical Number
Just when the audience thought they had seen it all, Conan turned the Oscars into a full-blown Broadway show. After poking fun at how musical numbers have become a staple of award shows, he sarcastically introduced his own: “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to do the thing all hosts do… awkwardly sing!”
After addressing the audience with his characteristic humor, O’Brien transitioned into a surprise musical number titled “I Won’t Waste Your Time.”
The performance humorously emphasized the importance of brevity, with O’Brien singing about his commitment to keeping the show concise, all while engaging in an elaborate musical routine. The irony of delivering an extensive number about not wasting time was met with laughter and applause from the audience.
The act featured elements reminiscent of classic MGM musicals, complete with backup dancers and unexpected cameos, including an inflatable sandworm from Dune playing the piano and a brief appearance by someone in a Deadpool costume
Musical Extravaganza by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo
The ceremony commenced with a show-stopping performance by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. The duo took the audience on a musical journey through classics from The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, and Wicked. Grande’s rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and Erivo’s powerful delivery of “Home” culminated in their duet of “Defying Gravity,” earning a standing ovation and setting a high bar for the night’s performances.
Anora Sweeps Major Awards
The indie drama Anora emerged as the night’s biggest winner, securing five Oscars, including Best Picture. Director Sean Baker made history by winning Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Film Editing for the same film—a rare accomplishment. In his acceptance speech, Baker expressed gratitude to Quentin Tarantino for casting lead actress Mikey Madison in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, a role that paved the way for her casting in Anora. Madison herself clinched the Best Actress award, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning career.
Adrien Brody and Zoe Saldaña’s Emotional Wins
Adrien Brody took home the Best Actor award for his role in The Brutalist, adding another accolade to his illustrious career. Meanwhile, Zoe Saldaña’s win for Best Supporting Actress in Emilia Pérez was both emotional and historic. Overcome with emotion, Saldaña dedicated her award to her mother, highlighting the personal significance of the honor.
Kieran Culkin’s Playful Acceptance Speech
Kieran Culkin won Best Supporting Actor for his role in Real Pain. During his acceptance speech, he humorously referenced a personal agreement with his wife, Jazz Charton, about expanding their family contingent upon an Oscar win. He quipped, “I just have to say to you, Jazz, love of my life, ye of little faith—no pressure.”
Adam Sandler’s Casual Appearance
Adam Sandler added a touch of levity to the evening by attending the ceremony in gym shorts, a choice that stood out amidst the formal attire. His laid-back demeanor and unexpected shout of “Chalamet!” during the proceedings provided comic relief and became a talking point among attendees and viewers alike.
Tributes to Hollywood Legends
The ceremony featured poignant tributes to industry icons. Morgan Freeman led an homage to the late Gene Hackman, reflecting on his contributions to cinema. Additionally, Queen Latifah, Whoopi Goldberg, and Oprah Winfrey honored the legacy of Quincy Jones, celebrating his extensive impact on music and film.
Technical Glitches and Controversies
Despite the night’s successes, the event faced some challenges. The Hulu livestream crashed 16 minutes before the ceremony’s conclusion, causing frustration among viewers. Additionally, Conan O’Brien’s joke referencing Karla Sofía Gascón’s controversial tweets elicited groans from the audience, highlighting the delicate balance comedians must maintain during live events.
The 2025 Oscars showcased a blend of heartfelt speeches, historic achievements, and the unpredictable moments that make live television captivating, solidifying its place as a memorable night in Hollywood history.
The verdict on Conan O’Brien? He crushed his first time hosting the Oscars, making a strong case for returning in 2026. His mix of savage jokes, self-deprecating humor, and Broadway-level commitment made the night one for the books.
The Geek is a working screenwriter, director and screenwriting instructor.
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Oscars 2025: Anora dominates as Conan O’Brien roasts Hollywood
