Conan and Bond: Highlights from the 97th Academy Awards

Hollywood’s biggest stars gathered on Sunday to celebrate the year’s best accomplishments in film at the annual Academy Awards. This year marked the 97th edition of the Oscars, which showcased a mix of humor, memorable performances, and significant achievements in the film industry.

Conan’s First Oscars

Comedian Conan O’Brien hosted the Academy Awards for the first time, bringing his well-known self-deprecating humor to the stage. His opening monologue was a mix of light-hearted jokes aimed at Hollywood’s elite, showcasing his ability to engage the audience.

In an effort to highlight the length of the Oscars show, O’Brien performed a comedic musical number featuring unexpected guests, including a dancing character from “Deadpool” and a sandworm from “Dune: Part Two” playing the piano. His performance was entertaining and set a lighthearted tone for the night.

Conan did not shy away from political commentary either, referencing the film “Anora,” which deals with themes surrounding power dynamics. He remarked, "You know 'Anora' is having a good night. That’s great news. Two wins already. I guess Americans are excited to see someone finally stand up to a powerful Russian."

Changes to Musical Performances

This year, the Oscars decided to skip the long-held tradition of live performances for nominated songs. Instead, the ceremony featured musical performances inspired by various films. The show kicked off with a performance by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who sang songs from the classic “The Wizard of Oz,” along with tracks from the related films “The Wiz” and “Wicked.”

Additionally, the ceremony paid tribute to the iconic James Bond franchise, featuring a medley of songs. Performers included Margaret Qualley and pop artists like Doja Cat, Lisa, and Raye. Queen Latifah also performed “Ease On Down the Road” from “The Wiz” as a tribute to producer Quincy Jones, who passed away last year.

Noteworthy Firsts

This year’s Oscar winners included some significant firsts. Latvia and Brazil both secured their first-ever Academy Awards. Gints Zilbalodis, a Latvian director, won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature Film with his movie “Flow,” which is about a cat that finds shelter on a boat with other animals.

Meanwhile, Brazilian director Walter Salles garnered the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film for his work “I’m Still Here,” which tells the story of a matriarch affected by a military regime in the 1970s.

In a historic moment, Paul Tazewell became the first black man to win the Oscar for Costume Design for “Wicked,” acknowledging his monumental achievement during his acceptance speech.

Tribute to Gene Hackman

During the ceremony, actor Morgan Freeman delivered a heartfelt tribute to his late friend, Gene Hackman, who was a two-time Oscar winner and had recently passed away. Freeman reflected on their friendship and the films they worked on together, stating: "Like everyone who ever shared a scene with him, I learned he was a generous performer and a man whose gift elevated everyone’s work. He received two Oscars, and more importantly, he won the hearts of filmgoers around the world."

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