The 2025 Academy Awards unfolded with much anticipation and humor, led by the charismatic Conan O'Brien, marking his debut as host of this prestigious night. The Dolby Theatre was alive with stars, laughter, and moments of grandeur. The evening began with O'Brien's comedic entrance, where he humorously crawled onto the stage from behind actress Demi Moore, adding a unique twist to the ceremony.
"Welcome to the 97th Academy Awards," O'Brien declared, warmly addressing the audience. "It’s Hollywood’s biggest night, which starts at four in the afternoon. Everyone here just had brunch — I don’t understand it!" His humor continued, lightening the mood as he poked fun at some of the nominated films and performers.
One notable moment came when O'Brien addressed the controversy surrounding Karla Sofía Gascón, the star of "Emilia Pérez," whose inappropriate social media posts had sparked debates. O'Brien quipped, "Little fact for you: ‘Anora’ uses the F-word 479 times — three more than the record set by Karla Sofía Gascón’s publicist!" The levity of his comments diffused tensions, turning focus back to the celebration of cinema.
Throughout the night, O'Brien offered witty jabs at the nominees, including humor aimed at Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of Bob Dylan. "Bob Dylan wanted to be here tonight, but not now badly," he remarked, eliciting laughter from the star-studded audience. O'Brien’s unique comedic style shined through his comments about films like "Babygirl," highlighting the odd premise featuring Antonio Banderas. "He described it as the most challenging role of his career," O'Brien quipped, underlining Hollywood’s knack for eccentric storytelling.
The awards primarily recognized the extraordinary talent and narratives showcased over the last year, culminating when Kieran Culkin's performance in "A Real Pain" took home Best Supporting Actor. This marked his significant Oscar victory as well as accolades from other major award shows such as SAG, BAFTA, and Golden Globe. His portrayal captured the hearts of both audiences and critics, securing his status as one of the year's standout actors.
To the delight of many, Robert Downey Jr. was nominated for his compelling performance as Lewis Strauss in "Oppenheimer." This role marked another chapter in his illustrious career, showcasing his versatility as he shifted from his iconic Tony Stark portrayal to embodying the nuanced character plagued by jealousy and political machinations.
Reflecting on the successes of the previous years, the ceremony also celebrated wins from last year's standout performances. Ke Huy Quan's triumph for his role in "Everything Everywhere All at Once" left an indelible mark on the audience; his path back to the spotlight has been both inspiring and heartwarming, reminding many of the importance of persistence and passion.
Troy Kotsur, last year’s winner, shared the impact of representation within the industry, reminiscing about his pivotal win, which made him the first male deaf performer to receive this prestigious accolade. His speech echoed the significance of stories from all walks of life, reinforcing the ethos of the Academy Awards.
The event wasn't without its memorable moments. O'Brien combined humor with music at the night’s conclusion, captivating attendees with his extravagant musical number. Having hosted various awards shows before, including the Emmy Awards twice, O'Brien demonstrated his proficiency in balancing humor with reverence for the cinematic arts.
The atmosphere was punctuated by light-hearted exchanges between O'Brien and the audience, creating memorable blends of both scripted and improvised comedy. The event wrapped up with sincere accolades acknowledging the breadth of talent recognized at the Oscars, illustrating the Academy's commitment to honoring diversity and innovation.
To highlight the significance of the event, O'Brien’s comedic narrative reminded everyone present of the rich history of the Academy, how the event has evolved over the decades, and the pivotal roles actors, directors, and stories continue to play. While often marred by controversy or debates over fairness and representation, the Oscars undeniably serve as both recognition and celebration of artistic craft and storytelling excellence.
This year’s ceremony serves as both reflection and motivation for future filmmakers and actors striving to leave their mark on the art of cinema, enhancing the dialogue around diversity, creativity, and the power of storytelling.