The 97th Academy Awards took place on Sunday at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood, celebrating cinematic excellence while largely avoiding political discourse. Despite the backdrop of Donald Trump’s second presidency, which has been marked by controversy and division, this year’s Oscars took a surprisingly neutral stance compared to past ceremonies.
Hollywood’s Surprising Shift: A Politically Subdued Oscars Night
Historically, the Academy Awards have served as a platform for celebrities to voice political opinions, whether through speeches, acceptance remarks, or even monologues. However, this year’s ceremony saw very few politically charged moments, with only a handful of presenters and winners addressing the current state of affairs in the United States.
Conan O’Brien’s Monologue: Subtle Yet Sharp
Hosting the prestigious awards for the first time, Conan O’Brien opted for a largely apolitical opening monologue. While he avoided direct political commentary, he managed to weave in a pointed jab at Trump later in the evening.
During the ceremony, O’Brien remarked, “You know, ‘Anora’ is having a great night. Two wins already. I guess Americans are excited to see somebody finally stand up to a powerful Russian.” The statement, which drew enthusiastic applause, appeared to reference Trump’s increasingly close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin, especially amid his continued criticism of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Selective Political Commentary from Winners and Presenters
While the overall tone of the night was non-political, some notable figures took the opportunity to speak on issues close to their hearts.
Adrien Brody’s Speech: Remembering History and Advocating for Inclusivity
Adrien Brody, who won Best Actor for The Brutalist, delivered a thought-provoking acceptance speech. The film tells the story of a Hungarian-Jewish architect who survives the Holocaust and immigrates to the U.S. Brody’s remarks touched on themes of oppression and racism, emphasizing the lessons history has to offer.
“I’m here once again to represent the lingering traumas and repercussions of war, systemic oppression, antisemitism, and racism. I pray for a healthier, happier, and more inclusive world. If the past teaches us anything, it’s that we must not let hate go unchecked.”
His words resonated strongly, especially given the current global political climate and concerns about the rise of extremism.
Zoe Saldaña’s Tribute to Immigrants
Zoe Saldaña, awarded Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez, took a moment to highlight the contributions of immigrants in America. With Trump’s administration known for its stringent immigration policies, Saldaña’s words carried weight.
“I am a proud child of immigrant parents, with dreams and dignity and hard-working hands,” she declared, earning a standing ovation from the audience.
‘No Other Land’ Filmmakers Call Out U.S. Foreign Policy
The Palestinian-Israeli documentary No Other Land won Best Documentary Feature, and its filmmakers took the stage to discuss the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Israeli journalist and co-director Yuval Abraham made a pointed remark regarding U.S. foreign policy:
“We made this film, Palestinians and Israelis, because together our voices are stronger. We see each other, and the atrocious destruction of Gaza and its people must end. The Israeli hostages taken in the crime of October 7 must be freed. There is a different path, a political solution, but the foreign policy of this country is helping to block that path.”
Abraham’s remarks highlighted the complex nature of international relations and the role the U.S. plays in shaping global conflicts.
Daryl Hannah’s Brief Nod to Ukraine
Before presenting the award for Best Film Editing (won by Sean Baker for Anora), Daryl Hannah took a moment to voice her support for Ukraine. Though brief, her words reflected the ongoing struggle faced by the war-torn nation.
A Stark Contrast to Other Awards Shows
The apolitical tone of the Oscars was in sharp contrast to other awards shows this season. The 2025 SAG Awards, for example, featured several politically charged moments. Jane Fonda used her acceptance speech to emphasize how empathy in acting should translate into activism, while Michael Urie and Lily Gladstone criticized Trump’s crackdown on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in Hollywood.
Similarly, at the 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards, director Justin Simien called for action against what he described as a “white nationalist coup” in the country. Meanwhile, How to Die Alone creator Natasha Rothwell voiced her solidarity with the trans community, which has been impacted by Trump’s executive orders.
