Embedded Files
March 21, 2025
As Hollywood award season kicks off, the most notable and famous filmmaking awards, The Oscars, recently took place. This year, there was a shakeup in hosts with former Late Night host Conan O’Brien taking over for fellow TV show host Jimmy Kimmel.
O’Brien’s last talk show aptly titled “Conan” concluded in 2021 and since then he has fully transitioned into his podcast “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend.” If anyone had ever believed that O’Brien could have lost his on-stage presence due to switching to an audio medium, this event could very much disprove that thought.
With the opening monologue it was clear that O’Brien wanted to have fun with the night and to show his gratitude towards those in the film industry. Unlike Kimmel, O’Brien did not just blatantly make fun of those in the audience and the films that they worked on, and instead, in his usual fashion, chose to poke fun at himself at the chance that others would find it funny.
Conan O’Brien performing a musical number with men dressed in his likeness at the Oscars (Photo Credit: Hollywood Reporter)
The ending of the monologue also showcased O’Brien’s love for humorous musical bits. Having made such songs as “The Monorail Song” from his time writing for The Simpsons, O’Brien was no stranger to making a memorable and enjoyable musical number. His song about not wasting time included many pokes at himself and other memorable aspects such as a sandworm from the film “Dune” that would get used in other bits at the awards.
Those who were not necessarily familiar with O’Brien’s work had varying opinions on his performance. Avid film-enjoyer and occasional film critic, senior Orion Rea said, “Conan did an excellent job, and I’m glad he’s returning next year. He was funny, and he made sure the ceremony was focused on the movies. He was the ideal host.”
By the time the awards ended it was clear that O’Brien was able to put life back into The Oscars that haven’t been memorable since Will Smith slapped Chris Rock. Many have become hopeful that this can become a regular gig for O’Brien which can lead to an at least once a year return to the TV spotlight.
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