Oscars 2025: Host Conan O’Brien sends special greetings to Indian viewers in Hindi

New Delhi: In an unexpected turn of events, comedian Conan O’Brien, who was hosting the Academy Awards for the first time, surprised viewers in India by greeting them in Hindi. While stating that the Oscars 2025 was being watched by around one billion people across the globe, he made this special gesture.

“Greetings to the people of India, it’s morning there, so I hope you’re having breakfast with the Oscars,” Conan said while attempting to speak Hindi. While many X (formerly known as Twitter) users were delighted by his effort, some remained unimpressed.

Proud moment for Indians Conan O’Brien Speaking Hindi at #Oscars2025 pic.twitter.com/3ilTReByBu

— Vikram 💙 (@vodkatriceps) March 3, 2025

“Conan O’Brien butchered Hindi so badly that I, a native Indian, had to read the subtitles,” posted a netizen. Another commented, “Genuinely, who could tell Conan was speaking Hindi? I thought it was something else entirely.”

Conan made sure to keep the entertainment quotient high throughout the star-studded event with his signature charm and wit. The award ceremony, presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), was held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles.

The 97th Academy Awards show was broadcast live in India in the early morning on Monday (March 3, 2025) on Star Movies and Star Movies Select. It was also streamed on the digital platform JioHotstar.

Anuja fails to clinch Oscar

Anuja, executive produced by global star Priyanka Chopra, lost out on the Best Live Action Short award to the Dutch-language movie I’m Not a Robot, a science fiction film written and directed by Victoria Warmerdam. A Lien, The Last Ranger and The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent were the other nominees in the category.

For the unversed, Anuja features two-time Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga as an executive producer and Hollywood star-writer Mindy Kaling as a producer. It is currently available for streaming on Netflix. Starring Sajda Pathan and Ananya Shanbhag in the lead roles, Anuja revolves around a gifted nine-year-old who must choose between pursuing education and working in a factory alongside her sister.