Staff Reports
In a night meant to celebrate Hollywood’s brightest stars, the 2025 Oscars took an unexpected turn when host Conan O’Brien delivered a biting monologue that left the industry heavyweights squirming in their seats. Known for his sharp wit and irreverent humor, O’Brien didn’t hold back as he skewered the entertainment elite for their contradictions, hypocrisy, and obsession with self-congratulatory narratives. What began as a glamorous evening of accolades quickly transformed into a reality check for an industry often accused of losing touch with its audience.
O’Brien’s jokes landed squarely on Hollywood’s penchant for virtue-signaling while failing to live up to its lofty ideals. He poked fun at the disconnect between the industry’s progressive rhetoric and its behind-the-scenes practices, quipping, “We didn’t use AI to make this show… we used child labor—hey, they’re still people.” The line, though delivered with humor, struck a nerve as it highlighted the ongoing controversies surrounding ethical labor practices in global supply chains tied to major studios. His comments served as a reminder that Hollywood’s image as a bastion of justice and equality often clashes with its actions.
The host also aimed the growing trend of corporate-driven diversity initiatives, which critics argue prioritize optics over genuine representation. With a nod to South Park’s satirical “Panderverse” episode, O’Brien joked about Hollywood’s formulaic approach to inclusivity: “Put a chicken in it and make her gay.” The jab underscored frustrations among audiences who feel that storytelling has taken a backseat to box-ticking exercises designed to appease social media outrage rather than deliver meaningful narratives.
Adding fuel to the fire, O’Brien addressed the ongoing fallout from Kathleen Kennedy’s tenure at Lucasfilm. While Kennedy has faced criticism for her handling of the Star Wars franchise, O’Brien’s remarks extended beyond her leadership to lampoon Hollywood’s broader creative stagnation. Referencing the industry’s reliance on reboots and sequels, he quipped, “At this rate, we’ll soon see Indiana Jones and the Chicken That Saved Christmas—and yes, she’ll be gay.” The audience’s mixed reaction reflected the tension between Hollywood’s desire for innovation and its dependence on safe, market-tested formulas.
But O’Brien didn’t stop at critiquing content; he also turned his attention to Hollywood’s self-indulgence. In a particularly pointed moment, he reminded attendees that while they celebrated their achievements in luxury, many Americans were grappling with real-world challenges like inflation and political division. “In moments like this,” he said, “awards shows can feel superfluous—but hey, at least we’re not Congress.” The line drew laughter but also served as a sobering commentary on the widening gap between Hollywood and everyday Americans.
By the end of the evening, it was clear that O’Brien had delivered more than just laughs—he had issued a challenge to an industry increasingly criticized for its insularity and lack of authenticity. His performance reminded Hollywood that while audiences may enjoy escapism on screen, they also value honesty and accountability off it. Whether or not Tinseltown takes this wake-up call seriously remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Conan O’Brien proved that even in a room full of stars, humor can shine the brightest light on uncomfortable truths.
