Conan O'Brien's Oscar Monologue Tackles AI in Hollywood Amid Growing Controversy

Conan O'Brien comments on AI during his opening monologue at the Oscars | TechCrunch

When hosting the 2025 Oscars last night, comedian and late-night TV host Conan O'Brien addressed the use of AI in his opening monologue, reflecting the growing conversation about the technology's influence in Hollywood. "We did not use AI to make this show," O'Brien said. His remarks were clearly a reference to the use of generative AI in "The Brutalist," which won three Oscars for Best Actor, Cinematography, and Original Score. Last month, "The Brutalist" sparked controversy over its use of AI. In an interview with Red Shark News, film editor Dávid Jancsó admitted to using Respeecher, an AI voice generator, to tweak actors Adrien Brody's and Felicity Jones' Hungarian dialogue in the film to make it sound more authentic. The fact that AI was used in the film in any form ignited an online debate, and many suggested it should have been disqualified for awards consideration. However, director Brady Corbet responded to the backlash, arguing that AI wasn't leveraged to enhance the actors' performances but to only "refine certain vowels and letters for accuracy," Corbet said in a public statement. Notably, "Emilia Pérez," another multi-Oscar winner, was also criticized for using Respeecher. The software was used to increase the voice range of actress Karla Sofía Gascón and to blend her singing with French singer Camille, explained re-recording mixer Cyril Holtz in a video interview. The role of AI in Hollywood has led to significant debate in recent years, mainly due to concerns that it could displace jobs. Consequently, AI became a key issue for the Screen Actors Guild and the Writers Guild of America during their strikes against major production studios in 2023. As AI becomes more prevalent in filmmaking, the Motion Picture Academy offers an option to disclose AI use. Following the drama with "The Brutalist," however, the Academy is reportedly considering making it mandatory for filmmakers to report any AI use in their submissions.

Conan O'Brien's Oscars opening monologue takes on AI, Netflix, and Karla Sofía Gascón

When Conan O'Brien emerged onto the stage at the 2025 Oscars for his opening monologue, he did so in a rather unusual way: by crawling out of Demi Moore's spine in a morbid homage to Best Picture nominee The Substance. How else was he supposed to follow up Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo's stunning performance of "Defying Gravity"? After that bit of body horror, O'Brien delivered a classic Oscars opening monologue. "A Complete Unknown. A Real Pain. Nosferatu. These are just some of the names I was called on the red carpet." The jokes were funny but not too mean. In fact, one could say O'Brien was a perfectly non-threatening choice for an Oscar ceremony shrouded in some controversy. Yes, there was a joke about Emilia Pérez's Karla Sofía Gascón, who was in attendance. "Karla, if you are going to tweet about the Oscars, my name is Jimmy Kimmel," he said to uncertain cheers in the audience. And to Netflix, he added, "Netflix leads nominations with a total of 18 price increases." O'Brien also commented on the industry's most hot-button topic: AI. "We did not use AI to make this show," he said. "We would never do that. We used child labor. Hey, they're still people!" In a moment of sincerity -- the first of many throughout the night, I'm sure -- O'Brien took time to honor the city of Los Angeles and the craftspeople who make the movies so magical. And, of course, he concluded the monologue with a song-and-dance number featuring the sandworm from Dune: Part Two playing "Chopsticks" on the piano and a dancing Deadpool.