Oscars Goes Light on Politics Despite Heated Climate Amid Trump’s Second Term

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Contrary to the politically charged nature of this year, marked by Donald Trump’s return to the White House, the 2025 Oscars turned out to be remarkably apolitical.

This year has been quite political with Donald Trump in the White House, but surprisingly, the 2025 Oscars were non-political.

Or simply:
While this year is politically charged due to Donald Trump’s presence in the White House, the 2025 Oscars bucked that trend and were not political at all.

On the grand stage of Hollywood’s annual gala, I usually anticipate a fair share of politically charged comments from hosts, presenters, and winners alike. Yet, this time around, it seemed like everyone was treading lightly in the current polarized political landscape, barely touching on it except for the occasional subtle jabs during the show.

Ever since Donald Trump assumed the presidency again in January, he’s faced intense public examination due to his contentious policies and far-reaching executive actions on topics such as immigration, climate change, federal diversity initiatives, and transgender rights, to name a few.

During his opening monologue, host Conan O’Brien steered clear of political topics, but later in the event, he slipped in a jab at Trump. He quipped, “By the way, Anora is doing well tonight. That’s fantastic! She’s already won twice. I guess Americans are thrilled to see someone finally challenge a powerful Russian.” This remark appears to be a veiled reference to Trump, who has been perceived as growing closer to Russian President Vladimir Putin lately. As the U.S. President persists in criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, O’Brien’s joke seems to allude to this situation.

At the Oscars ceremony, Adrien Brody, who won best actor for his role in the movie “The Brutalist” about a Hungarian-Jewish architect overcoming Holocaust survival and immigration to America, delivered a poignant speech. He emphasized that he was there to underscore the ongoing effects of war, systematic discrimination such as antisemitism, racism, and urged for a more harmonious, healthier world. Adrien expressed hope that history serves as a lesson to never ignore hate and encouraged us all to stand up for what’s right.

Zoe Saldaña, who received the best supporting actress award for “Emilia Pérez,” also emphasized immigrants in America – one group often targeted by the Trump administration – during her moving speech. “I am a proud daughter of immigrant parents, with dreams, dignity, and hard-working hands,” she stated.

As a gamer, I’d rephrase it like this: In another part of the show, the creators of the documentary “No Other Land,” a Palestinian-Israeli film, criticized U.S. foreign policy regarding Israeli-Palestinian conflicts. During their acceptance speech for Best Documentary Feature, co-director and Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham spoke up: “We, Palestinians and Israelis, made this movie together because our combined voices are more powerful. We witness the devastating destruction of Gaza and its people, an end to which we aspire, and the Israeli hostage taken in the crime of October 7, who we want to be released.

Abraham went on to explain, “There’s another approach, a political solution. I must admit, the current foreign policy in this land seems to obstruct this path. Don’t you understand we’re connected? Can’t you perceive that my folks will be genuinely secure if Basel’s people are truly liberated and secure?

Prior to announcing the prize for outstanding film editing (which Sean Baker took home for Anora), Daryl Hannah took a moment to express her solidarity with Ukraine as well.

This year’s Oscars are taking a less political approach compared to other award shows recently. For instance, last weekend at the 2025 SAG Awards, there were several politically charged moments. Jane Fonda, receiving the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award, emphasized that the empathy actors employ in their performances should also guide their political stance. Additionally, Michael Urie and Lily Gladstone discussed the potential impact of Trump’s war on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within Hollywood.

At the 2025 Film Independent Spirit Awards, Justin Simien, a screenwriter and director from Hollywood’s Black community, used his time on stage to propose a strategy aimed at preventing a white supremacist takeover of the nation. Furthermore, Natasha Rothwell, creator and star of “How to Die Alone,” voiced her backing for the transgender community, who are currently under attack due to Trump’s anti-trans executive orders.

The 97th Academy Awards, which took place on a Sunday at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood and were hosted by O’Brien, can be found in their entirety as the winners list here. To see who graced the A-list red carpet, simply click here.

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2025-03-03 07:54