Despite this year being highly political so far with Donald Trump back in the White House, the 2025 Oscars were surprisingly the opposite.
Hollywood’s biggest night typically offers several moments of political-focused commentary, whether it be from the host, presenters or winners. However, this year, most avoided commenting on the current tense political climate, other than minor remarks sprinkled throughout the Sunday night ceremony.
Since Trump’s second presidency got underway in January, he has been publicly scrutinized for his controversial agenda and sweeping executive orders affecting immigration, climate change, federal diversity programs and transgender rights, among many others.
While host Conan O’Brien kept his opening monologue apolitical, he found a moment later in the ceremony for a quick joke about Trump. “You know, Anora is having a good night. That’s great news! Two wins already. I guess Americans are excited to see somebody finally stand up to a powerful Russian,” he said, drawing loud applause from the audience. O’Brien was seemingly referencing Trump, who has appeared to grow closer to Russian President Vladimir Putin recently, as the U.S. President continues to criticize Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
While accepting the Oscar for best actor for The Brutalist, which centers on a Hungarian-Jewish architect who survives the Holocaust and immigrants to the U.S., Adrien Brody shared some powerful words. “I’m here once again to represent the lingering traumas and repercussions of war, and systemic oppression and antisemitism and racism,” the actor said. “And I pray for a healthier and happier and more inclusive world. And I believe if the past can teach us anything, it’s a reminder to not let hate go unchecked. … Let’s fight for what’s right.”
Zoe Saldaña, who won best supporting actress for Emilia Pérez, also highlighted immigrants in America — one of the Trump administration’s many targets — during her emotional speech. “I am a proud child of immigrant parents, with dreams and dignity and hard-working hands,” she said.
Elsewhere in the show, the filmmakers for No Other Land, a Palestinian-Israeli documentary, called out U.S. foreign policy in Israeli-Palestinian relations. While accepting the Oscar for best documentary feature, Israeli journalist and co-director Yuval Abraham said: “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, which must end, and the Israeli hostage brutally taken in the crime of October 7, which must be freed.”
Abraham continued, “There is a different path, a political solution. I have to say, as I am here, the foreign policy in this country is helping to block this path. Why? Can’t you see we are intertwined? Can’t you see that my people will be truly safe if Basel’s people are truly free and safe?”
Before presenting the award for best film editing (Sean Baker won for Anora), Daryl Hannah also made a brief remark to show her support for Ukraine.
The Oscar’s non-political tone is a shift from other awards shows this season. Last weekend, the 2025 SAG Awards featured several political moments, including Jane Fonda using her acceptance speech for the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award to express how the empathy actors use in their craft should inform their response to politics. Michael Urie and Lily Gladstone also explained how the war that Trump is waging against diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives might affect Hollywood.
At the 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards, Hollywood Black writer-director Justin Simien also took a moment onstage to share a plan for “stopping the white nationalist coup taking over this country.” In additional, How to Die Alone creator and star Natasha Rothwell expressed her support for the “trans community under attack right now,” amid Trump’s anti-trans executive orders.
The 97th Academy Awards, hosted by O’Brien, were held Sunday at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. Find the full winners list here, and check out the A-list red carpet arrivals here.
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