The 97th Academy Awards, held on March 3, 2025, at the illustrious Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, was hosted by Conan O'Brien. His opening was memorable as he infused the ceremony with cultural relevance by greeting Indian fans, saying, "Namashkar. Nashte ke saath Oscar kar rahe hai aap log," which translated to, "Greetings to the people of India, it’s morning there, so I hope you enjoy your breakfast with the Oscars." This unexpected switch to Hindi drew mixed reactions from viewers online, with some praising his attempt and others noticing the delivery could have been improved.
The night celebrated remarkable achievements within the film industry, with significant awards being handed out. Peter Straughan took home the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for "Conclave," adeptly adapted from the 2016 novel focusing on the vigilant selection of a new pope. Other notable winners included the film "Flow," recognized with the Best Animated Feature Film award, and "Wicked," which triumphed with the Best Costume Design accolade. Kieran Culkin also made headlines for winning his first Oscar as Best Supporting Actor for his role in the film "A Real Pain."
During the event, O'Brien also made headlines with his sharp wit. One of the more memorable moments came when he referenced the character Anora, noting, "I suppose Americans are thrilled to see someone finally stand up to a powerful Russian," delivering subtle commentary without directly naming U.S. President Donald Trump. His poised humor kept the audience engaged, forming part of the evening's highlights.
Unlike previous years, political commentary was understated but still present. Notably, documentary feature winners for "No Other Land" utilized their acceptance speech to voice criticisms of U.S. foreign policy toward Israel and the Palestinians.
Unlike Jimmy Kimmel’s politically charged hosting from the year prior, O'Brien focused more on humor than overt political digs, but the essence of the discourse was still palpable. During the ceremony, elements of political tension emerged when the actress Daryl Hannah gave a nod to Ukraine, reminding everyone of the broader conflicts overshadowing the entertainment spectacle.
One of the touching moments of the evening was the involvement of Los Angeles firefighters, who received heartfelt recognition for their bravery amid this year’s devastating wildfires. O'Brien welcomed the firefighting team on stage, leading to a standing ovation from the audience. His commentary drew laughs as he joked, "Now, I know you're going to find this hard to believe, but there are some jokes even I'm not brave enough to tell."
The firefighters themselves also shared smiles with the audience, offering their own comedic takes. Erik Scott, the head of the Los Angeles Fire Department, quipped, "Our hearts go out to those who have lost their homes, and I’m talking about the producers of 'Joker 2.'" His joke pointed to the theatrical flop of "Joker: Folie à Deux," which struggled at the box office, having been one of the year’s most flopped films.
Jonas Johnson, also with the fire department, humorously commented on Timothée Chalamet’s performance, saying, "To play Bob Dylan, Timothée Chalamet learned how to sing. His singing was so good, he almost lost the part." This blend of banter provided levity, countering the more serious undertones of the evening.
Another lighthearted jab came from Captain Jodi Slicker, who joked, "It’s great to be back with Conan. Usually, when he calls, he’s stuck in a tree." O'Brien responded, "It's happened twice!" showcasing the camaraderie and humor shared between the host and the firefighters.
Overall, the ceremony finessed moments of elegance with laughter and political reflection. The night not only honored cinematic triumphs but also offered layers of humor and frank discussion, epitomizing the balance of entertainment and awareness typical of such events. Staying true to the Academy's purpose, the Oscars highlighted both the frivolity and realities of the film industry, encapsulated beautifully by the comedic timing of Conan O'Brien and his guests.