Oscars 2025: Conan O'Brien Brings Laughter and Tears to the Ceremony

Image credits: The Atlantic

The 2025 Oscars ceremony was a night to remember, with Conan O'Brien taking the stage as host and bringing his unique brand of humor to the event. Despite some technical issues, including streaming glitches on Hulu, the ceremony was filled with memorable moments, from O'Brien's monologue jokes to the surprise appearances of celebrities like Adam Sandler and Mick Jagger. One of the most notable moments of the night was when O'Brien addressed the controversy surrounding best actress nominee Karla Sofia Gascon, whose past tweets had resurfaced and sparked backlash.

O'Brien's monologue was a highlight of the evening, with the host landing several memorable jokes and surviving a dubious musical number about wasting time during the broadcast. He also poked fun at the best picture nominees, including "Anora," which won several awards, including best picture, actress, and director. The ceremony also featured a number of other notable moments, including a dance salute to Bond films, which some viewers felt was unnecessary and could have been cut. Additionally, the ceremony included a segment honoring the courage of Los Angeles firefighters, who battled the city's devastating wildfires, and a presentation by nonagenarian actress June Squibb, who showed that she still has a sharp sense of humor at 95.

One of the most impressive aspects of O'Brien's hosting duties was his ability to balance humor and seriousness. He was able to make light of difficult topics, such as the controversy surrounding Gascon, while also taking a moment to acknowledge the importance of filmmaking and the impact it can have on people's lives. This was evident in his direct-to-camera appeal, where he spoke about the significance of the ceremony and the work that it recognizes. He also showed his emotional side, sharing a personal anecdote about his parents and the recent wildfires in Los Angeles. Furthermore, O'Brien's comedic timing was impeccable, and he was able to think on his feet, responding to unexpected moments and keeping the audience laughing.

The ceremony also featured a number of notable presenters and performers, including Ben Stiller, who presented the Oscar for production design, and Mick Jagger, who handed out the best song award. The list of winners included:

• "Anora" for best picture
• Karla Sofia Gascon for best actress
• "The Substance" for best production design
• "El Mal" from "Emilia Perez" for best song

The list of nominees included:

• Karla Sofia Gascon for best actress
• "Anora" for best picture
• "The Substance" for best production design
• "El Mal" from "Emilia Perez" for best song

The ceremony was also marked by a number of memorable moments, including a surprise appearance by Adam Sandler, who showed up in a bright blue hoodie, basketball shorts, and a Hawaiian shirt, and a funny bit by Los Angeles firefighters, who delivered a series of jokes and one-liners.

In conclusion, the 2025 Oscars ceremony was a night to remember, with Conan O'Brien bringing his unique brand of humor and heart to the event. Despite some technical issues and controversy, the ceremony was filled with memorable moments and notable performances. The event was a celebration of filmmaking and the impact it can have on people's lives, and it will be remembered for years to come.

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