Oscars 2025 host Conan O’Brien made a dig at Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin
Conan O’Brien has made a not so subtle joke at Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin during the 97th Academy Awards.
Tensions Rise as Zelenskyy and Trump’s Meeting Spirals into Chaos
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Donald Trump at his official residence on Friday, February 28, but what was meant to be a high-stakes diplomatic discussion quickly spiraled into chaos.
At the heart of the debate? Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia, a brutal conflict that began in February 2022 when Russian forces invaded. The war has since taken a devastating toll—95,000 Russian soldiers have died, according to the BBC, while over 46,000 Ukrainian troops have lost their lives on the battlefield, per The Kyiv Independent.
With thousands of lives lost and the war showing no clear end in sight, world leaders are eager to find a resolution—Trump included. But did this meeting bring any real progress, or did tensions only escalate further?
Chaos Unfolds as Trump Clashes with Zelenskyy: “You’re Gambling with World War III!”
What started as a high-stakes diplomatic meeting between Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on February 28 quickly erupted into chaos.
In a heated exchange, Trump lashed out, accusing Zelenskyy of recklessly escalating the conflict with Russia. Raising his voice, he warned:
“You’re gambling with the lives of millions of people! You’re gambling with World War III! And what you’re doing is very disrespectful to this country—this country!”
As tensions flared, the former U.S. president criticized Zelenskyy’s position, telling him, “You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards.”
The Fallout: Zelenskyy and Trump Respond
Following the explosive meeting, Zelenskyy took to Twitter, thanking the U.S. for its support:
“Thank you, America. Thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that.”
Meanwhile, Trump fired back on his Truth Social platform, doubling down on his stance:
“Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. President Zelenskyy is not ready for peace if America is involved because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. I don’t want advantage—I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for peace.”
The Oscars Weigh In on the Controversy
As expected, politics found its way into the Oscars that same evening. While discussing the success of the critically acclaimed film Anora, host Conan O’Brien quipped:
“Anora’s doing great tonight—two awards. I think Americans are finally ready for someone to stand up to a powerful Russian.”
A not-so-subtle jab at the Trump-Zelenskyy drama that had unfolded just hours earlier.
It’s safe to say—whether in Hollywood or Washington—the world is watching.
Oscars’ Most Shocking Moments: From Unscripted Kisses to The Slap Heard Around the World
The Academy Awards may be a night to celebrate cinematic excellence, but over the years, it has also delivered some of the wildest, most unexpected moments in Hollywood history. From awkward kisses to mistaken winners and even a full-blown on-stage assault, these incidents are forever etched in Oscars lore.
1. Angelina Jolie’s Controversial Kiss with Her Brother (2000)
Angelina Jolie’s sweet tribute to her brother James Haven after winning Best Supporting Actress for Girl, Interrupted took an unexpected turn when they locked lips on the red carpet—a moment that quickly sent tabloids into a frenzy.
During her acceptance speech, Jolie gushed:
“I’m in shock, and I’m so in love with my brother right now. He just held me and said he loved me, and I know he’s so happy for me.”
Years later, Haven dismissed the controversy, clarifying:
“I did not give Angie a French kiss. It was something simple and lovely. I congratulated her on the Oscar win and gave her a quick kiss on the lips. It was snapped and became a big thing.”
2. Adrien Brody Stuns Halle Berry with a Surprise Kiss (2003)
Winning Best Actor for The Pianist was a moment of pure elation for Adrien Brody—but his celebratory kiss with presenter Halle Berry left the entire audience stunned.
Berry later recalled:
“I was like, ‘What the f**k is happening right now?’”
Despite the surprise, Berry rolled with it, acknowledging the overwhelming emotions of winning an Oscar:
“I know the feeling of being out of your body, I just f**king went with it.”
Looking back, Brody addressed the moment:
“We live in a very conscious time, which is a wonderful thing. And nothing I ever do is done with the intention of making anyone feel bad.”
3. John Travolta Absolutely Butchers Idina Menzel’s Name (2014)
Announcing performers at the Oscars is a pretty simple job—unless you’re John Travolta.
Instead of introducing Frozen star Idina Menzel, he inexplicably renamed her “Adele Dazeem.”
The bizarre blunder instantly became one of the most meme-worthy moments in Oscars history. Travolta later laughed it off, saying:
“I’ve been beating myself up all day. Then I thought … what would Idina say? She’d say, ‘Let it go, let it go!’”
4. The ‘La La Land’ vs. ‘Moonlight’ Fiasco (2017)
The biggest Oscars mix-up of all time came when Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway mistakenly announced La La Land as Best Picture—only to be corrected midway through the acceptance speeches.
As the La La Land team stood on stage basking in their moment, producer Jordan Horowitz suddenly stopped, revealing the real winner:
“There’s a mistake. Moonlight, you guys won Best Picture. This is not a joke.”
It turned out Beatty had been handed the wrong envelope—one that still listed Emma Stone as Best Actress for La La Land. The mix-up left audiences and nominees shocked, with Moonlight director Barry Jenkins later saying:
“I noticed the commotion but was speechless when the result was altered. I’ve never seen that happen before.”
5. The Slap Heard Around the World (2022)
Oscars history changed forever when Will Smith stormed the stage and slapped Chris Rock after the comedian made a joke about Jada Pinkett-Smith’s shaved head—a sensitive subject due to her battle with alopecia.
Rock had quipped:
“Jada, can’t wait for G.I. Jane 2!”
Smith wasn’t laughing. He walked up, smacked Rock, and shouted:
“Keep my wife’s name out of your f**king mouth!”
The shocking moment led to Smith’s 10-year ban from the Oscars, even though he awkwardly went on to win Best Actor that same night. Reflecting on his actions, Smith later admitted:
“I just didn’t realize how many people got hurt in that moment.”
