Conan O’Brien Calls Out Karia Sofia Gascón for Racism at Oscars 2025

The 2025 Academy Awards took an unexpected turn when host Conan O’Brien openly criticized actress Karia Sofia Gascón for alleged racist remarks linked to the ongoing Emilia Pérez controversy.

 In what was supposed to be a night celebrating the best in cinema, tensions flared as O’Brien addressed the scandal, sending shockwaves through the audience and sparking heated discussions across social media.

The Emilia Pérez controversy has been a hot-button issue in the entertainment industry for months, stirring debates about representation, inclusion, and racial sensitivity in Hollywood.

The film, which explores themes of identity and transformation, faced backlash over its casting choices and how it handled race-related issues.

Karia Sofia Gascón, a prominent actress associated with the project, has been accused of making racially insensitive remarks during press tours and interviews. Critics argue that her comments dismiss concerns raised by marginalized communities about the film’s portrayal of racial and cultural identities.

 While some supporters defended her statements as being taken out of context, others believe they highlight deeper systemic problems within the industry.

As the host of the prestigious ceremony, Conan O’Brien is known for his sharp wit and comedic timing. However, when the topic of Emilia Pérez came up, his tone shifted from humorous to serious.

In a moment that immediately went viral, O’Brien took direct aim at Gascón, calling out her alleged racist remarks and the broader implications they carry in Hollywood.

“People say the Oscars need to be more inclusive, and they’re right. But what we don’t need is outdated, offensive rhetoric disguised as ‘opinions,’” O’Brien stated.

“Hollywood should be a space for progress, not regression. We should be lifting voices, not silencing them with ignorance.”

His remarks were met with mixed reactions—some members of the audience applauded, while others exchanged awkward glances, unsure of how to respond.

O’Brien’s statements immediately became the focal point of post-Oscars discussions. Social media erupted with reactions, with hashtags like #ConanSpeaksOut and #CancelKaria trending worldwide.

Many praised O’Brien for using his platform to address racism in the industry, while others felt he had overstepped his role as a host and turned the event into a political debate.

Fellow actors, filmmakers, and activists chimed in on the controversy:

Ava DuVernay, an advocate for racial equality in film, tweeted: “It’s about time Hollywood stops tolerating this kind of behavior. Thank you, Conan, for saying what needed to be said.”

Pedro Pascal, who had worked on Emilia Pérez, posted: “We must listen, learn, and do better. The conversation doesn’t stop here.”

Ricky Gervais, known for his no-holds-barred approach to awards hosting, took a different stance, jokingly tweeting: “Did Conan just cancel someone on live TV? That’s a first.”

Meanwhile, Karia Sofia Gascón has yet to make an official statement, though sources close to the actress claim she was blindsided by the remarks and felt unfairly targeted.

This moment at the Oscars is just another chapter in Hollywood’s long and complicated history with race. While progress has been made in terms of diversity and inclusion, incidents like this show that deep-seated issues remain unresolved.

The backlash against Emilia Pérez highlights the ongoing conversation about representation—who gets to tell certain stories, and how those stories are told.

Some argue that Gascón’s remarks reflect a broader issue of industry elites dismissing concerns from marginalized communities, reinforcing the idea that Hollywood still has work to do.

O’Brien’s decision to call her out in front of millions watching worldwide signals a shift in the industry, where silence is no longer acceptable.

However, it also raises questions: Should award show hosts take such a strong stance, or should these conversations be left for other forums?

As the dust settles from the fiery Oscars night, the industry now awaits responses from both Gascón and the Academy.

Will she apologize or double down on her statements? Will the Academy make a statement regarding the controversy?

Regardless of the outcome, one thing is clear: Conan O’Brien’s bold words have forced Hollywood to confront uncomfortable truths yet again.

Whether this leads to meaningful change or fades into yet another controversy remains to be seen.