Conan O’Brien Delivers Hit Joke on Cillian Murphy at Oscars 2025, Despite Hosting Wobbles

Conan O’Brien’s Debut Hosting the 97th Academy Awards: A Review

The 97th Academy Awards, broadcast live from the Dolby Theater at Ovation Hollywood on March 2, 2025, saw Conan O’Brien take the stage as host for the first time. Aired across more than 200 territories worldwide, the ceremony aimed to celebrate the best in film, but O’Brien’s performance proved to be a mixed bag.

Conan O’Brien hosting the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre. (Image: Getty Images)

Hits and Misses of the Evening

While O’Brien brought his signature wit and energy to the stage, not all of his comedic gambits landed as intended. The opening monologue and various skits throughout the night were met with varying degrees of success. Some felt ad-libbed jokes shone, while others were perceived as awkward.

The Opening Number: A Rocky Start

One of the more enterprising segments of the night was a song-and-dance number titled “I Won’t Waste Time,” featuring a Deadpool stand-in and a piano-playing sandworm from Dune. Though, this elaborate performance “fell flat,” failing to resonate with the audience. Musical numbers at the Oscars often face scrutiny,with past performances drawing both praise and criticism (Academy Awards Official Site).

Introduction Stumbles

O’Brien’s opening introduction, described as “an awkward play on one of the ickier sequences from Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance,” also missed the mark. Critics noted it “ran on longer than it should have,” diminishing its comedic impact and setting a slightly uneasy tone for the rest of the evening. The success of an opening monologue often sets the stage for the entire show; a misstep here can be challenging to recover from.

Areas for Improvement

O’Brien’s performance highlights the challenges of hosting a live awards show. Balancing comedic timing, audience expectations, and the need to honor the nominees requires a delicate touch. While O’Brien’s enthusiasm was evident, strategic adjustments could enhance his future performances. Perhaps using writers more adept at short sketch structure, would keep to shorter bits.

Final Thoughts

Despite some missteps, Conan O’Brien’s debut as Oscars host provided moments of genuine amusement. while certain comedic choices didn’t fully connect with the audience, his energy and willingness to take risks were commendable. The key takeaway is that even seasoned performers can face challenges on the oscars stage, and adaptability remains crucial for success.As awards season continues, reflect on what elements make a memorable hosting performance and share your thoughts on Conan O’Brien’s debut. What, in your opinion, makes or breaks an award show host?

What qualities make for a accomplished awards show host?

Conan O’Brien’s Oscars Debut: A Comedy Expert Weighs In

Conan O’Brien’s inaugural hosting gig at the 97th Academy awards has sparked considerable debate. To unpack the highs and lows of the evening, Archyde spoke with Dr. Eleanor Vance, a professor of comedic performance at the prestigious Guildhall School of Comedy and a recognized expert in awards show hosting.

An Interview with Dr. Eleanor Vance on Conan’s Oscars Performance

Archyde: Dr. Vance, thank you for joining us. Conan O’Brien’s debut as Oscars host certainly generated buzz. What were your initial thoughts on his performance?

dr.Vance: It was…interesting. Conan is undoubtedly a comedic force. He’s known for his swift wit and self-deprecating humor, but the Oscars stage presents a unique challenge. The audience is broad, expectations are high, and the need to balance comedy with genuine celebration is crucial.I think he struggled with that balance at times.

The Opening: Bold but Risky

Archyde: the opening number, “I Won’t Waste Time” with the Deadpool stand-in and the sandworm, seemed to be a sticking point for many viewers. What’s your take on that particular segment?

dr. Vance: Bold choice, definitely. Musical numbers can be a gamble at the Oscars. They either soar or fall flat, and unfortunately, this one leaned towards the latter. The humor felt a bit… niche. While conan has a very dedicated fanbase, the Oscars are about appealing to a wider audience. A sketch involving deep cuts or esoteric references risks alienating viewers who aren’t in on the joke.

Introduction Issues and Recovery

Archyde: Critics also pointed to the opening introduction,referencing The Substance,as being awkward and overly long. How important is that initial interaction to the overall success of the show?

Dr. Vance: The opening is absolutely critical. It sets the tone for the entire evening. A misstep there can be incredibly difficult to recover from. It sounds like this introduction might have been a bit too…avant-garde for the occasion. A safe bet is to engage the audience with an inclusive act.The goal is to get everyone on board and laughing with you, not feeling confused or uncomfortable.

Areas for improvement in Oscars Hosting

Archyde: What do you think Conan,or any future Oscars host,could learn from this experience?

Dr. Vance: Adaptability is key. Live television is unpredictable, and award shows even more so. A host needs to be able to read the room, adjust their material on the fly, and know when to pull back. Also, collaboration is essential. Utilizing a strong writing team that specializes in short-form sketch comedy can ensure that the jokes are tight, well-structured, and, most importantly, land effectively. Ultimately, hosting an Awards show is about the nominees and the movies that everyone is celebrating. A host should always complement the evening, not commandeer it.

The Final Verdict on O’Brien’s Oscars Debut

Archyde: To wrap things up, despite the criticisms, Conan O’Brien’s energy and willingness to take chances were undeniable. Do you think this experience will ultimately benefit him as a performer?

Dr. Vance: Absolutely. Even a less-than-perfect performance on such a high-profile stage is a valuable learning prospect. Conan is a talented comedian. He’ll undoubtedly analyze what worked, what didn’t, and use that knowledge to refine his approach in the future. It’s a trial by fire, to be sure, but one that could ultimately make him an even stronger performer.

A Question for Our Readers

Archyde: Dr. Vance, thank you again for your insights. And to our readers,we want to hear from you: What,in your opinion,is the most important quality for an awards show host to possess? Share your thoughts in the comments below!