At the 97th Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre, comedian Conan O’Brien made his debut as the event’s host. Known for his sharp wit and extensive experience in live television, O’Brien’s performance was highly anticipated. Throughout the evening, he delivered a series of humorous remarks, but one particular joke stood out, drawing significant attention from both the audience and the media.
As the night progressed, the film “Anora,” directed by Sean Baker, emerged as a significant winner, securing multiple awards including Best Picture and Best Original Screenplay. The movie tells the story of a young sex worker from Brooklyn, portrayed by Mikey Madison, who marries the son of a Russian oligarch. The plot centers on her struggle to maintain her newfound status against the powerful Russian family attempting to annul the marriage. This narrative of defiance against formidable adversaries resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Capitalizing on the film’s storyline, O’Brien quipped, “Anora is having a good night. Two wins already. I guess Americans are excited to see somebody finally stand up to a powerful Russian.” This remark was met with enthusiastic applause and cheers from the audience, as it was widely interpreted as a subtle jab at President Donald Trump’s perceived amicable relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The timing of O’Brien’s joke was particularly poignant, coming just days after a contentious meeting between President Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The February 28 meeting, intended to discuss U.S. military aid to Ukraine, devolved into a tense exchange. President Trump accused Zelenskyy of disrespecting the United States and warned him about the potential consequences of his actions, stating, “You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people! You’re gambling with World War III.”
Following the meeting, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for U.S. support on social media, while President Trump conveyed a contrasting perspective, suggesting that Zelenskyy was not ready for peace if America’s involvement continued. This incident further fueled discussions about President Trump’s foreign policy stance, particularly concerning Russia and Ukraine.
O’Brien’s subtle critique during the Oscars was not an isolated instance of political commentary that evening. While he largely steered clear of overt political statements in his opening monologue, his later remarks, including the one about “standing up to a powerful Russian,” were seen as reflective of current geopolitical tensions. The audience’s reaction indicated a shared awareness of these issues, highlighting the intersection of entertainment and politics.
The media’s response to O’Brien’s joke was swift and varied. Some outlets praised his ability to inject timely political humor into the ceremony without overshadowing the event’s primary focus on celebrating cinematic achievements. Others debated the appropriateness of such remarks at an entertainment event, reflecting the ongoing discourse about the role of political commentary in award shows.
Social media platforms buzzed with reactions from viewers. Supporters lauded O’Brien for addressing pertinent political issues, with comments like, “Good on Conan for addressing the elephant in the room.” Critics, however, felt that the Oscars should remain apolitical, expressing sentiments such as, “Conan’s swipe at President Trump as not standing up to Russia was a deep disappointment.”
Beyond this particular joke, O’Brien’s hosting tenure was marked by a blend of humor and homage. He paid tribute to the resilience of Los Angeles following recent wildfires and honored the late actor Gene Hackman with a heartfelt segment introduced by Morgan Freeman. Musical performances by artists like Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo added to the night’s entertainment, though some segments, such as a James Bond musical tribute, received mixed reviews.
The 2025 Oscars also saw historic wins, with Latvia and Brazil securing their first-ever Academy Awards. Gints Zilbalodis won Best Animated Feature for “Flow,” and Walter Salles took home Best International Feature for “I’m Still Here.” Additionally, Paul Tazewell made history as the first Black man to win the Costume Design Oscar for his work on “Wicked.”
In summary, Conan O’Brien’s inaugural hosting of the Academy Awards was punctuated by a blend of humor, political nuance, and celebration of cinematic excellence. His pointed joke about “standing up to a powerful Russian” not only elicited a strong reaction from the audience but also underscored the permeation of global political issues into cultural events. The 97th Oscars will be remembered not just for its award recipients but also for the moments that reflected the broader societal context of the time.
