Conan O’Brien: The Brilliant Host the Oscars Deserve
Conan O’Brien, a man seemingly destined to host the Oscars, opened the 95th Academy Awards with a bang—a pre-taped sketch where he emerged from the back of Demi Moore, star of The Substance. He humorously fished for a lost shoe, setting a playful, irreverent tone for the night. The audience was primed for a monologue that was both self-deprecating and sharp.
Laughter and Light Jabs: The Monologue Begins
O’Brien’s monologue was a masterclass in humor, blending self-deprecation with clever jabs at the nominees. He quipped about films like A Complete Unknown and A Real Pain, suggesting he was heckled on the red carpet. He_Targeted Netflix’s 18 nominations and recent price hikes, prompting knowing laughter from the star-studded audience.
The Oscars Get Roasted: Movies, Marvels, and Mishaps
The humor continued with jabs at The Brutalist’s lengthy runtime and the controversy surrounding Emilia Pérez actress Karla Sofia Gascón’s social media posts. O’Brien’s timing was impeccable, comparing the film’s F-word count to Gascón’s publicist. He also riffed on Timothée Chalamet’s portrayal of Bob Dylan, noting Dylan’s absence with a wry remark.
When Laughter Meets Reality: Addressing Tough Topics
O’Brien’s tone shifted when he addressed Los Angeles’s devastating wildfires, acknowledging the awards’ seeming triviality in such context. He praised behind-the-scenes workers, emphasizing the enduring importance of their craft. His words resonated, striking a chord between Hollywood glamour and harsh reality.
Lightning-Rod Laughter and a Side of Sarcasm
Humor returned with a jab at Adam Sandler’s fashion sense, followed by a satirical take on Amazon controlling the James Bond franchise. O’Brien’s fictional casting of Steve Belsky as Bond, backed by a fake Amazon bio, had the audience in stitches. It was a delightful blend of absurdity and wit.
From Quips to Curtain Calls: Ending on a High Note
O’Brien closed with an admirable balance of humor and heart, promising not to waste time before delivering a musical number featuring Deadpool and Dune’s sandworm. The schtick, with a playful piano duet, amplified the event’s surreality, leaving the audience in high spirits. His final note—quitting Hollywood for an Orlando B&B—was both absurd and endearing.
This Oscars edition showcased O’Brien’s talent—his ability to joke about life’s absurdities while grounding gravity with sincerity. His legacy as a host for the ages was cemented, proving the Oscars’ ceremony is not just about awards, but about the stories we share, with joy and resilience.
