At the 97th Academy Awards, host Conan O'Brien delivered a masterfully blended subtle political commentary with his signature self-deprecating humour.
While O'Brien is recognised for steering clear of direct political discourse, he didn't entirely sidestep current events. In a clever nod to the film Anora, which portrays a sex worker standing up to a Russian oligarch, O'Brien quipped, "Anora's having a good night. That's great news. Two wins already. I guess Americans are excited to see somebody finally stand up to a powerful Russian."
This remark, though not mentioning any names, was perceived as a subtle dig at US President Donald Trump's perceived affinity with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
He also poked fun at the Oscars' early start time, remarking on Hollywood's biggest night "which starts at 4 in the afternoon," highlighting the industry's quirks. Additionally, O'Brien took a jab at Netflix's recent price hikes, commenting on the streaming giant's impact on the film industry and viewers' wallets.
He also joked about the Oscars’ running time as the ceremony neared the three-and-a-half hour mark, saying, “If you’re still enjoying the show, you have something called Stockholm syndrome.”
The night saw a host of celebrities making a statement and giving tributes. While Wicked star Cynthia Erivo gave a stunning tribute to Hattie McDaniel, the first black woman to win the Academy Award with her Louis Vuitton gown, The Brutalist actor Guy Pearce showed solidarity with Palestine at the red carpet with ‘Free Palestine’ pin. Zoe Saldanha spoke about being a proud child of immigrant parents amid President Donald Trump's crackdown on immigration in the US. No Other Land directors condemned the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians, saying, 'The atrocious destruction of Gaza and its people must end.'
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