Conan O’Brien’s Oscars Monologue: A Satirical Lens on AI’s Role in Hollywood

This is an editorialized blog, drafted with the assistance of AI.

At the 97th Academy Awards in 2025, host Conan O’Brien delivered an opening monologue that humorously addressed the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in the film industry. His remarks not only entertained but also sparked discussions about the evolving relationship between technology and creativity in Hollywood.

A Humorous Take on AI in Filmmaking

O’Brien opened the ceremony with a jest that underscored the industry’s cautious embrace of AI:

“We did not use AI to make this show. No AI. We would never do that. We use child labor. Hey, they’re still people.”

This quip highlighted the tension between technological advancement and ethical considerations in production practices.

Spotlight on ‘The Brutalist’ and AI Integration

The film “The Brutalist,” nominated for ten awards, became a focal point in O’Brien’s monologue due to its use of generative AI during production. He humorously remarked on the film’s extensive runtime, suggesting that viewers could watch it multiple times during the ceremony.

The film’s incorporation of AI tools, such as AI-generated architecture blueprints and the Respeecher program to refine actors’ pronunciations, exemplifies the growing integration of AI in creative processes.

AI’s Expanding Footprint in Hollywood

Beyond “The Brutalist,” AI’s presence in Hollywood is becoming increasingly prominent:

• Film Production: AI is being utilized to automate aspects of scriptwriting, editing, and visual effects, streamlining workflows and reducing production costs.

• Content Creation: Tools like OpenAI’s Sora enable users to generate realistic video content from text prompts, democratizing filmmaking but also raising concerns among creatives about job displacement and the authenticity of AI-generated content.

Industry Response and Ethical Considerations

The rise of AI in filmmaking has elicited mixed reactions within the industry:

• Creative Empowerment: Proponents argue that AI can enhance creativity by handling mundane tasks, allowing artists to focus on more nuanced aspects of storytelling.

• Job Displacement: Critics express concern that AI could replace roles traditionally held by humans, particularly in areas like visual effects and editing.

• Authenticity and Originality: The ability of AI to replicate human creativity raises questions about the originality of AI-generated content and its impact on the value of human artistry.

Historical Context: AI’s Portrayal in Cinema

The relationship between AI and cinema is not new; it has evolved over decades:

• Early Depictions: Films like “Metropolis” (1927) portrayed AI as a menacing force, reflecting societal apprehensions about technological advancements.

• Evolving Narratives: Over time, AI characters in films such as “2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968) and “Her” (2013) have been depicted with increasing complexity, mirroring shifting public perceptions of AI from fear to fascination.

Conclusion

Conan O’Brien’s satirical commentary at the Oscars reflects a broader conversation about AI’s role in Hollywood. As technology continues to evolve, the industry must navigate the balance between innovation and preserving the human essence of storytelling.

Sources:

• “Conan O’Brien Killed His Oscars 2025 Monologue: All His Best Jokes.” Vanity Fair. https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/story/conan-obrien-killed-his-oscars-2025-monologue-all-his-best-jokes

• “Q&A: How AI is changing the film industry.” UW News. https://www.washington.edu/news/2025/02/25/ai-film-oscars-strike/

• “The AI Takeover In Cinema: How Movie Studios Use Artificial Intelligence.” Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/neilsahota/2024/03/08/the-ai-takeover-in-cinema-how-movie-studios-use-artificial-intelligence/

• “Sora, OpenAI’s video generator, has hit the UK. It’s obvious why creatives are worried.” The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/feb/28/sora-openai-video-generation-tool-has-hit-the-uk-its-obvious-why-creatives-are-worried

• “From HAL to Her: A Brief History of AI in Film.” Vitrina. https://vitrina.ai/blog/ai-in-film-history/