Conan O’Brien Steals the Spotlight at the 97th Academy Awards
The 97th Academy Awards, held at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, was a night to remember, thanks in large part to the charming and witty hosting of Conan O’Brien. The event, which took place on a crisp evening in March, was a star-studded affair that brought together some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry. As the lights dimmed and the anticipation built, Conan took to the stage, setting the tone for a night filled with glamour, excitement, and a dash of humor. Clad in his signature suit and exuding his trademark charisma, Conan wasted no time in winning over the audience with his sharp wit and effortless charm. The 61-year-old comedian and TV personality, who has been a household name for decades, proved once again why he is one of the most beloved figures in entertainment. Whether he was cracking jokes, introducing nominees, or keeping the ceremony on track, Conan was in his element, and the audience loved every minute of it.
A Thoughtful Gesture That Stole Hearts
But Conan’s impact at the Oscars didn’t stop at his hosting duties. In a move that has been widely praised as thoughtful and iconic, Conan left a special surprise for every attendee. Hidden under each seat at the Dolby Theatre was a small snack box, complete with a bottle of water, a pretzel, and a heartfelt note from the host himself. The note, which was shared on social media by Variety magazine’s Ramin Setoodeh, read: "Dear star/seat filler, I hope you enjoy these complimentary snacks. I tried my best to include a gummy, but Disney said it was a ‘hard pass’. Have a great night, Conan." The note was accompanied by a playful doodle of Conan’s face, a touch that fans of the comedian immediately recognized as a nod to his long-standing tradition of including similar illustrations in fan mail over the years.
The snack box and the note quickly became a talking point on social media, with fans and attendees alike expressing their admiration for Conan’s kindness and attention to detail. One fan remarked, "This is so thoughtful," while another praised Conan for being a "gentleman." The gesture was seen as a reminder of the personal touch that makes the Oscars such a special event. In an industry often criticized for its excess and superficiality, Conan’s simple yet heartfelt act of kindness stood out as a moment of genuine warmth and humanity.
The Oscars Swag Bag: A Glimpse Into Luxury
While Conan’s snack box was a delightful surprise for attendees, it wasn’t the only perk of attending the Oscars. Each year, the Academy puts together a swag bag for nominees and attendees, and this year’s selection did not disappoint. The 2025 Oscars swag bag was valued at an estimated $2 million, featuring a range of luxurious items and exclusive experiences. From luxury travel packages to high-end skincare products, the swag bag was a testament to the opulence and extravagance of Hollywood’s biggest night.
Some of the highlights of this year’s swag bag included a four-night stay at the JOALI Maldives and JOALI BEING resorts, complete with butler service and spa treatments, valued at $16,000. Other travel experiences included a five-night stay at the Santani resort in Sri Lanka and a five-night stay at the Cotton House Hotel in Barcelona. For those looking to pamper themselves, the swag bag included a range of luxury skincare products, including a set from Miage Skincare worth $500 and a premium skincare collection from IERIAS NAMA. Fashion enthusiasts were not left out either, with items like a water-resistant Nomatic Bag and an eco-friendly Sattaché Classic Bag.
In addition to these tangible items, the swag bag also included unique experiences, such as a design-your-own-jewellery experience and an exclusive luxury journey courtesy of Daniel Ashley Co. For those looking to upgrade their home, the swag bag featured high-quality kitchen essentials from John Boos Cutting Boards and a luxury tea gift box from Brook37 The Atelier. And for those with a green thumb, there were even power tools from Greenworks Tools and handcrafted luxury dog wear from Cate Brown Studio.
Fan Reactions: A Celebration of Thoughtfulness
The reaction to Conan’s thoughtful gesture and the swag bag was overwhelmingly positive, with fans taking to social
