Oscars 2025: Conan O’Brien takes a dig at AI culture; THIS is what he said

Oscars 2025: Comedian Conan O'Brien, hosting the Oscars for the first time, kicked off the 97th Academy Awards with a monologue, in which he slammed the growing usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Hollywood.

Commenting on the industry's most hot-button topic – AI, the former late-night-show host said, “We did not use AI to make this show.”

“We would never do that. We used child labour,” he joked, adding, “Hey, they're still people!”

While his AI dig was an absolute stand-out, Conan's monologue also touched on this year's nominated movies and actors in the most creative way.

“'A Complete Unknown.' 'A Real Pain.' 'Nosferatu.' These are just some of the names I was called on the red carpet,” he joked.

Of nominee “Wicked”, O'Brien poked fun by saying, “It's the perfect movie for anyone who's ever finished watching 'The Wizard of Oz' and thought, 'Sure, but where did all the minor characters go to college? That's the story.'”

‘We have paused every spring to elevate and celebrate an art form’

Comedian Conan O'Brien not only had jokes up his sleeve for Oscars night, but in a rather serious tone, he had a message about what the Oscars truly represent at their core.

“Now, 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 said.

“So, yes, even in the face of terrible wildfires and divisive politics, the work, which 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,” he continued.

“…the magic, the madness, the grandeur and the joy of film worldwide is going to be with us forever,” he added.

All About Oscars:

The 97th Academy Awards have kicked off at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. “Emilia Pérez” leads the pack with 13 Oscar nominations, but “Wicked” and “The Brutalist” are close behind.

The 2025 Oscars opened with its biggest musical voices. “Wicked” star Ariana Grande launched into “The Wizard of Oz” classic “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” following a visual package celebrating the city of Los Angeles.