Topline
A recreation of an infamous and controversial kiss from over 20 years ago, a joke by the ceremony’s host Conan O’Brien about the biggest rap feud of last year and speculation about the attendance of the former vice president at the ceremony were among the highlights of Sunday night’s Oscar awards.
Host Conan O’Brien speaks onstage during the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, … [+]
Key Facts
Halle Berry kissed Adrien Brody—who went on to win the best actor prize later in the evening— on the red carpet, recreating an infamous incident from the 2003 ceremony when Brody kissed Berry after she presented him the best actor prize for his role in “The Pianist.”
Although initially seen as the 2003 ceremony’s signature moment, the incident would garner controversy, as Berry later said she knew nothing about it and “I was like what the f—k is happening?”
“Emilia Pérez” star Karla Sofía Gascón’s social media posts controversy was poked fun at by O’Brien, who said in his opening monologue: “Little fact for you: ‘Anora’ uses the F-word 479 times…that’s three more than the record set by Karla Sofía Gascón’s publicist.
When the camera cut to Gascón, who appeared to acknowledge the joke by joining her hands and holding it up, O’Brien said: “Karla, if you’re going to tweet about the Oscars, remember, my name is Jimmy Kimmel.”
Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s feud also got a mention from midway through the ceremony, as O’Brien said: “We’re halfway through the show, which means it’s time for Kendrick Lamar to come out and call Drake a pedophile,” before adding “Don’t worry, I’m lawyered up.”
Adam Sandler was dressed in a sweatshirt and gym shorts during the ceremony and O’Brien brought this up during his monologue and roasted the actor saying: “You’re dressed like a guy playing video poker at 2 a.m.”
Sandler who was also mic’d up during the segment appeared to play along with the skit by theatrically responding, “Nobody even thought about what I was wearing until you brought it up…My snazzy gym shorts and fluffy sweatshirt offend you so much that you had to mock me in front my peers,” before walking away.
Reports and rumors about former Vice President Kamala Harris attending the ceremony—triggered by heavier than usual security at the event—turned out to be incorrect, as former Democratic presidential nominee’s husband Doug Emhoff shared a photo of her at their home and wrote: “Oscars watch party prep.”
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What About Political Statements At The Oscars?
Unlike previous years’ events and recent award ceremonies like the Grammys, there were very few references to U.S. politics at the Oscars on Sunday night, including zero direct mentions of President Donald Trump. In the lead up to the awards, the Academy’s CEO Bill Kramer told CNN that O’Brien was the perfect host because he is, among other things, “apolitical.” Kramer also said he wanted the ceremony to steer clear of politics. Last year, Trump called out host Jimmy Kimmel during the ceremony—calling him “washed up” in a social media post—prompting the comedian to retort live on air, “Isn’t it past your jail time?” The only jab O’Brien appeared to throw at Trump was when he was talking about best picture winner “Anora”—a movie in which the lead played by Mikey Madison is a sex worker who is briefly married to a son of a Russian oligarch. In a reference to the scene where Madison insults the oligarch, O’Brien said: “You know, ‘Anora’ is having a good night…I guess Americans are excited to see somebody finally stand up to a powerful Russian.” Best supporting actress prize winner Zoe Saldana, noted that she was the first ever Dominican-American to win an Oscar and said: “I am a proud child of immigrant parents with dreams and dignity and hardworking hands.”
Were There Any Statements On International Politics?
While domestic politics references were sparse, there were a few statements made about ongoing international conflicts. The best documentary feature prize was won by “No Other Land,” which focuses on Israel’s demolition of Palestinian homes in the occupied West Bank. In his acceptance speech, one of the documentary’s directors, Basel Adra, urged the world to “take serious actions to stop the injustice and to stop the ethnic cleansing of Palestinian people.” Israeli journalist, Yuval Abraham, who co-directed the documentary, called for a political solution for “both of our people,” before stating that the “foreign policy in this country [the U.S.] is helping to block this path.” Actress Daryl Hannah, who presented the best editing award, expressed her support for Ukraine in its war with Russia by by introducing herself with the phrase “Slava Ukraini.”
Further Reading
Oscar Winners: ‘Anora’ Wins Best Picture While Adrien Brody And Mikey Madison Take Home Top Acting Honors (Forbes)
Conan O’Brien Will Host 2025 Oscars—Here’s Why That Might Mean Fewer Trump Jokes (Forbes)
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