On social media, many viewers were stunned after a video surfaced showing the opening skit from Oscars host Conan O’Brien.
Conan O’Brien’s opening skit at the 2025 Academy Awards has sparked debate. Some viewers found it entertaining, while others called it ‘actually offensive.’
Conan O’Brien makes his Oscars hosting debut
The 97th Academy Awards saw O’Brien host for the first time.
His monologue took jabs at nominees and made pointed remarks about Karla Sofia Gascon’s resurfaced tweets.
However, the biggest shock came from his opening skit. O’Brien recreated a scene from “The Substance”, dramatically emerging from Demi Moore’s body.
Viewers divided over O’Brien’s opening skit
The video of Conan O’Brien’s Oscars opening skit quickly went viral and sparked debate among viewers.
Social media exploded with reactions. Some fans were disgusted, while others praised the creativity.
One person said: I’m offended that they were offended.
A second wrote: It was hilarious
While a third commented: Yeah soooo this opening “Substance” monologue is actually offensive but ok #Oscars2025.
Another added: Bad taste.
Others defended the bit. One tweet read: “Conan doing “The Substance”… it’s so wild and fun having an Oscars host who actually watches the movies.”
Adam Sandler’s appearance adds to the chaos
The monologue continued with a playful moment involving Adam Sandler. O’Brien mocked Sandler’s casual outfit, prompting the actor to yell “Chalamet!” in Timothée Chalamet’s face.
This unexpected exchange quickly went viral.
O’Brien’s remarks on Karla Sofia Gascon spark backlash
O’Brien also took aim at Gascon, joking: “Anora uses the F-word 479 times. That’s three more than the record set by Karla Sofia Gascon’s publicist.”
Gascon recently faced controversy over past social media posts. Despite this, she attended the ceremony and appeared to take O’Brien’s joke in stride.
Karla Sofia Gascon responds to controversy
Speaking to *The Hollywood Reporter*, Gascon shared her thoughts on the event. “I’m not sure how I feel, but I’m grateful to be back.”
She also issued a public apology, stating: “I want to acknowledge the conversation around my past social media posts that have caused hurt. As someone in a marginalized community, I know this suffering all too well and I am deeply sorry to those I have caused pain.”