Highlights from Conan O’Brien’s Hosting of the Oscars

Introduction to the Evening

Conan O’Brien made a memorable entrance at the 2025 Oscars, paying tribute to the musical "The Substance." He came on stage in a comical way, emerging from behind actress Demi Moore, humorously losing a shoe in the process. O’Brien, known for his wit and charm, kicked off the event by welcoming the audience to what he called "Hollywood’s biggest night that starts at 4 in the afternoon."

A Unique Take on Oscar Nominees

In his opening monologue, O’Brien showcased his unique sense of humor by poking fun at the nominees for Best Picture. He listed films such as A Complete Unknown, A Real Pain, and Nosferatu, joking about the names people had called him on the red carpet. He admitted that while being called these names was tough, he found two of them fair.

O’Brien continued to poke fun at titles like Wicked and Conclave, immediately connecting with the audience and setting a light-hearted tone for the evening.

Humor about Lengthy Films

O’Brien drew laughs when he commented on The Brutalist, which has a remarkably long runtime of 3 hours and 35 minutes. He expressed relief that it didn’t end right away, signaling his appreciation for the cinematic experience. By addressing the audience directly, he showed how he balances humor and acknowledgment of serious topics in film.

A Nod to Celebrity Dynamics

The host didn’t shy away from making jabs at celebrities and their trials during the awards season. He joked about the difficult time Karla Sofía Gascón’s publicist faced but cheered when Gascón appeared at the ceremony. This blend of humor and respect paved the way for a lively atmosphere.

In another humorous moment, O’Brien suggested that anyone tweeting about the Oscars should remember his name was Jimmy Kimmel—a playful nod to the past hosts of the ceremony.

New Rules for Orderly Oscars

As the event progressed, O’Brien shared new rules he hoped would keep the Oscars running smoothly. For example, he made an amusing promise that if any recipient took too long during their speech, the camera would cut to actor John Lithgow, who would be seen looking "not angry, but slightly disappointed." This comedic tactic not only entertained the crowd but also effectively communicated the need for timely speeches.

O’Brien added another layer of humor by threatening to show an old headshot if speakers didn’t wrap up soon enough, further emphasizing his role as the amusing figure of authority for the evening.

Audience Engagement

A highlight for many viewers was when comedian Adam Sandler made an appearance in casual attire, looking relaxed in a hoodie and gym shorts. O’Brien cheekily asked him to exit, but Sandler, ever the crowd-pleaser, invited the audience to join him for basketball afterward. His warm interaction with Timothée Chalamet was met with loud applause, making the moment even more memorable.

Honoring Behind-the-Scenes Talent

Transitioning to a more serious tone, O’Brien acknowledged the hard work of those behind the camera. He described how these dedicated individuals help create films that can bring people together. This moment added a layer of sincerity to the night, showcasing the importance of teamwork in the film industry.

He stated, "The magic, the madness, the grandeur, and the joy of film worldwide is going to be with us forever," which resonated with many attendees and viewers alike.

Fun Musical Interlude

As the evening continued, O’Brien kept the energy alive by singing a whimsical tune about not wasting time. This song lightened the mood and left the audience amused. He later surprised guests by bringing out the sandworm from Dune: Part Two to perform a rendition of "Chopsticks" on the piano, alongside a dancing Deadpool, adding a quirky and unforgettable touch to the proceedings.

Timeliness and Flow of the Event

Conan O’Brien made an important point of encouraging the show to stay on schedule, declaring, "We’re four minutes over," before smoothly transitioning to the next segment of the night. His ability to mix humor with moments of reflection and timeliness made the Oscars a memorable event for viewers at home and attendees alike.

In his first outing as a host, O’Brien delighted audiences with jokes while acknowledging and celebrating the significant contributions of the film industry. His mix of comedy and heartfelt sentiments showed why the Oscars remain a cherished tradition in Hollywood.