Conan O’Brien’s Oscars Joke About Kendrick Lamar and Drake: A Look Inside the Controversy

Conan O’Brien, the beloved comedian and former late-night talk show host, recently made headlines for a bold joke he cracked during the 2025 Oscars ceremony. The joke, which referenced the ongoing feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, sparked a lot of buzz both during and after the event. According to Skyler Higley, the writer behind the joke, the quip was not intended to take sides in the rivalry but rather to tap into the pop culture zeitgeist. During the ceremony, O’Brien quipped, "We’re halfway through the show, which means it’s time for Kendrick Lamar to come out and call Drake a pedophile." This was a clear nod to Lamar’s scathing lyrics in his 2024 track "Not Like Us," where he accused Drake of pedophilia—a claim Drake has vehemently denied. Higley emphasized that the joke was meant to highlight the cultural relevance of the feud rather than to offend either artist. "The idea that it’s being taken as a real call-out or taking sides in any way in the beef is absurd," Higley told TMZ.

Conan’s Oscars Jokes: More Than Just the Drake and Lamar Beef

While the joke about Kendrick Lamar and Drake grabbed the most attention, Conan O’Brien’s set at the Oscars was filled with sharp, humorous jabs aimed at various nominees and attendees. One of the most notable moments came when he addressed Timothée Chalamet, who was nominated for Best Actor for his portrayal of Bob Dylan in the film A Complete Unknown. O’Brien praised Chalamet’s performance and his dapper appearance but also playfully referenced a recent incident where the actor was fined for taking a rideshare bike to the London premiere of his film. "Timmy Chalamet is up for Best Actor tonight, you’re amazing and you look amazing. I love that suit. You will not get hit on your bike tonight," O’Brien joked.

Another memorable moment came when O’Brien turned his attention to Best Actress nominee Karla Sofía Gascón, who had faced backlash earlier in the awards season due to resurfaced offensive posts from her X account. Seemingly addressing the controversy, O’Brien quipped, "Karla, if you’re going to tweet about the Oscars, remember, my name is Jimmy Kimmel." While the joke was lighthearted, it served as a subtle reminder of the challenges Gascón had faced in the lead-up to the ceremony.

The Art of Oscars Hosting: Conan O’Brien’s Approach to Humor

Behind the scenes, Conan O’Brien revealed that his Oscars set underwent significant changes before the big night. In an interview with E! News at the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, he shared that he and his team made several adjustments backstage. "There are times where you think, ‘We’ve got a good joke here, but I’m not gonna do it. It doesn’t feel right.’ We made a lot of changes backstage," he admitted. O’Brien also shared that some of his best moments were spontaneous, saying, "You think of something in the moment, and you just go with it, and those can be blessings."

This approach to humor is a hallmark of O’Brien’s career. Known for his quick wit and ability to read a room, he has built a reputation as a host who can navigate even the most high-pressure situations with ease. His willingness to tweak his material until the last minute speaks to his dedication to delivering a memorable performance.

The Agony and the Ecstasy of Hosting the Oscars

Despite the challenges of hosting one of Hollywood’s most prestigious events, Conan O’Brien seemed to thrive under the pressure. He described the experience as a mix of "agony and ecstasy," where months of preparation lead up to a single, exhilarating moment. "There’s the agony of before — preparation, getting ready — and that goes on for months. Then we worked so hard that by the time we got to the point where it was time to go, I couldn’t wait," he shared with E! News.

Fortunately for O’Brien, his efforts paid off. The A-list crowd in attendance at the Dolby Theatre responded enthusiastically to his jokes, providing the kind of laughter and energy that every host craves. "They were laughs, thank God," he said, expressing his relief and satisfaction with how the night unfolded.

The Legacy of Conan O’Brien’s Oscars Hosting

While Conan O’Brien’s Oscars jokes sparked plenty of post-ceremony discussions, they also underscored his unique ability to blend humor with cultural commentary. By addressing topics like celebrity feuds and social media controversies, O’Brien managed to keep the audience engaged while also highlighting the quirks and absurdities of modern fame.

At the same time, O’Brien’s willingness to adjust his material in real time showcased his adaptability as a performer. In a live setting, things don’t always go as planned, and it’s the ability to think on one’s feet that separates great hosts from good ones. O’Brien’s approach to hosting the Oscars was a testament to his skill and experience, proving once again why he remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

Wrapping Up the Night: The 2025 Oscars as a Celebration of Talent and Humor

In the end, the 2025 Oscars ceremony was not just a celebration of cinematic achievements but also a reminder of the power of humor to bring people together. Conan O’Brien’s Hosting duties added a layer of lightness and levity to the event, reminding everyone that even in the glitzy world of Hollywood, it’s okay to laugh at ourselves.

As the night came to a close, O’Brien’s performance left a lasting impression on both the audience in the theater and those watching from home. Whether he was poking fun at Timothée Chalamet’s biking habits or cleverly referencing Kendrick Lamar’s diss track, O’Brien’s jokes served as a reminder that humor, when done right, can be both entertaining and thought-provoking. The 2025 Oscars may be over, but the memories of Conan O’Brien’s witty one-liners are sure to linger for a long time.