Conan O'Brien jokes about Karla Sofía Gascón's publicist, racist tweets in Oscars monologue
"A Complete Unknown." "A Real Pain." "Nosferatu." All names of nominated films at this year's Academy Awards, and "some of the names I was called on the red carpet," Oscars host Conan O'Brien joked during his opening monologue. "I think two are fair."
O'Brien, 61, kept the jokes flowing during his early gambit, lightly jabbing at A-list celebrities and their films while also reminding audiences what the Oscars are really about. And, at least at the start, he steered away from politics that typically invade such speeches.
He introduced all the best picture nominees, including "The Brutalist" – he "didn't want it to end, and luckily it didn't" – as well as "Conclave," joking its logline is it's a film "about the Catholic Church, but don't worry."
Then, he got to "Anora."
"Anora uses the F word 479 times. That's three more than the record set by Karla Sofía Gascón's publicist," he jabbed, referencing Gascón's racist tweets that resurfaced and a rough Oscar campaign for "Emilia Pérez," which went into the night with 13 nominations. He noted she was in attendance, and she seemed in good spirits when the camera panned to her.
"If you are going to tweet about the Oscars, remember, my name is Jimmy Kimmel," O'Brien said.
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He later remarked how well everyone was dressed – but called out comedian Adam Sandler, who wore a sweatshirt and shorts, evidently for the bit.
"Nobody even thought about what I was wearing till you brought it up!" Sandler screamed, and the pair bantered back and forth. Audience members booed after Sandler said he was leaving.
"You are all welcome to join me for a game of five-on-five basketball," he said.
Conan O'Brien honors Hollywood community at Oscars after LA fires
O'Brien then grew serious, recognizing the Hollywood community behind the scenes like crafts people, artisans, technicians and costumers, as well as what the Oscars mean to everyone involved in Los Angeles and viewers at home.
"For almost a century, we have paused every spring to elevate and celebrate an art form that has the power, at its very best, to unite us," he added, marking the moment. "So yes, even in the face of terrible wildfires and divisive politics, the work, which is what this is about, the work continues. And next year, and for years to come, through trauma and joy, this seemingly absurd ritual is going to be here."
Then he went for laughs again with a short musical number about how much time he wasn't going to waste. Subtle, O'Brien.