A Night to Remember: Conan O’Brien Shines as Oscars Host
Conan O’Brien took the stage at the 2025 Oscars with a confidence that belied his status as a first-time host. From the moment he walked out, he commanded the room with a mix of self-deprecating humor and charming wit. He playfully told the audience to sit down, even though no one was standing, and quickly won them over with lighthearted jokes and personal touches, like greeting Demi Moore with a grin after a pre-recorded skit referencing her film The Substance. O’Brien’s ease on stage was no surprise, given his decades of experience in late-night television. As writer Vikram Murthi once noted, O’Brien is “one of our last classic entertainers,” and his performance at the Oscars only reinforced that reputation.
Balancing Acts: Humor and Heart in a Challenging Time
O’Brien’s success as host was not just about his comedic timing but also his ability to balance the silly with the serious. The ceremony came at a fraught moment for Hollywood and the world—on the heels of a presidential election, devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, and a struggling film industry grappling with production challenges and scandals. O’Brien himself had faced personal hardships, including the loss of his parents and evacuating his home due to the fires. Yet, he managed to navigate the evening with grace, knowing exactly when to make the audience laugh and when to invite them to reflect. His tonal agility made him the perfect host for a night that required both levity and gravitas.
A Host for All: Connecting with Stars and Viewers Alike
From the start, O’Brien proved himself a master of the Oscars stage. In his opening monologue, he played the role of a traditional emcee, cheering on performers like Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande and poking fun at the Best Picture nominees. But he also embraced his inner jester, championing the snubbed film Babygirl and taking jabs at Amazon’s purchase of the James Bond franchise. His boldness was on full display when he addressed the controversy surrounding actress Karla Sofía Gascón, whose resurfaced tweets had derailed her Best Actress campaign. O’Brien’s playful delight after the crowd’s gasp—rubbing his hands together and jogging in place—showcased his infectious joy and ability to entertain.
Laughter and Lessons: When the Host Became the Show
O’Brien’s giddiness was central to his charm. Whether he was sparring with his friend Adam Sandler, enlisting John Lithgow to help shame long-winded speech-givers, or performing an ironic song-and-dance number about not wasting time, he made it clear that his goal was to entertain at all costs. While these kinds of moments are familiar in awards shows, O’Brien’s enthusiasm made them feel fresh. Even when tackling a segment that could have been awkward—a serious appeal to the audience about the importance of filmmaking—he managed to balance sincerity with humor. “In moments such as this, any awards show can seem self-indulgent,” he began, before pivoting to a joke about leaving Hollywood to run a bed and breakfast in Orlando. It was classic Conan: goofy yet earnest.
A Personal Touch: When the Host Got Real
One of the most memorable moments of the night came when O’Brien shifted from humor to heartfelt sincerity. He reminded the audience of the enduring power of filmmaking, even in difficult times. “The work continues,” he said, acknowledging the wildfires, divisive politics, and industry struggles. “This seemingly absurd ritual is going to be here.” It was a poignant reminder of why the Oscars—and storytelling itself—matter. O’Brien’s ability to weave personal and universal themes into the ceremony added depth to the evening, making it more than just a celebration of films but a reflection of resilience and hope.
A Night to Remember: Conan O’Brien’s Triumph
By the end of the night, it was clear that O’Brien had delivered something special. He had charmed both the A-listers in the room and the viewers at home, proving that he was born to host the Oscars. His willingness to embrace both the ridiculous and the serious, along with his genuine passion for the event, made the ceremony feel both personal and professional. As he had said in an interview before the show, all he wanted was “to have fun onstage.” Mission accomplished. And so, with a mix of humor, heart, and a little bit of mischief, Conan O’Brien added his name to the list of all-time great Oscars hosts.
