Oscars get political despite efforts to keep current events out of broadcast

Published March 3, 2025 4:57pm ET



At the 97th Academy Awards ceremony Sunday night, the show was relatively light on politics, but the acceptance speeches and host Conan O’Brien still waded into divisive commentary.

Last week, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences CEO Bill Kramer said in an interview that his goal for the award show was to be politics-free. He called O’Brien “apolitical,” a departure from the stridently progressive former host Jimmy Kimmel in previous years. Kramer also encouraged celebrities to limit the political commentary and instead focus “on their work.”

Already a print subscriber? Click here to login/register your account

Trusted reporting.Unlimited access.

Subscribe for full access to Washington Examiner coverage, expert political analysis, and subscriber-only journalism.

Get Unlimited Access

Already a member? Log in

Cancel anytime.