Conan O’Brien’s first-ever Oscars monologue, in his debut as the host of Hollywood’s biggest night, might prove to be the real winner of the evening.
The Emmy-winning funnyman, 61, pulled no punches when kicking off the 97th Academy Awards, shouting out the most infamous of this Oscars race’s controversies: “Emilia Pérez” star Karla Sofía Gascón’s resurfaced racist tweets.
“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,” O’Brien said to laughter. “Karla Sofía Gascón is here tonight. … And, Karla, if you are going to tweet about the Oscars, remember, my name is Jimmy Kimmel.”
The former late night host on Sunday took over the hosting reigns from four-time emcee Kimmel.
Gascón, whose nomination marked the first time an openly transgender actor has been tapped for an Oscar, was on an awards season high until her troubling tweets resurfaced in late January.
As recently as 2020, the Spanish actress floated a ban against Islam and “religions that go against European values and violate human rights.” She lambasted George Floyd as “a drug addict and a hustler” in one post and invoked Hitler in yet another.
Gascón halfheartedly apologized in a lengthy statement to The Hollywood Reporter “if anyone has ever felt offended” by the remarks, which she said could somewhat be blamed on “ignorance or pure mistake.”
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Host Conan O’Brien speaks onstage during the Oscars on Sunday. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
O’Brien’s monologue also featured comedic bits with John Lithgow — who O’Brien said would look on disappointedly at any winners whose speeches droned on — and Adam Sandler. The latter focused on the “Wedding Singer” star’s gym attire.
O’Brien also took a somber moment to turn his attention to the wildfires that devastated Los Angeles for much of January.
“In moments such as this, any awards show can seem self-indulgent and superfluous. … But the Oscars also shines a light on many people you will never see: craftspeople, artisans, technicians, costumers. … Many people we will celebrate tonight are not famous, they’re not wealthy. But they are devoted to a craft that can, in moments, bring us all a little closer together.
“Now, for almost a century, we have paused every spring to elevate and celebrate an art form. It has the power, at its very best to unite us,” said O’Brien. “So yes, even in the face of terrible wildfires and divisive politics … the work continues. And next year, and for years to come, through trauma and joy, this seemingly absurd ritual is going to be here. … The magic, the madness, the grandeur and joy of film worldwide is going to be with us forever.”
O’Brien concluded the monologue with tips for winners to keep their acceptance speeches short and sweet, before diving into a musical rendition of his assurance, “I Won’t Waste Time,” which kicked off about 25 minutes into the broadcast.
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