Adam Sandler didn’t get the dress code memo for the 2025 Oscars, and that’s fine with him.
The actor and comedian known for his casual wear made an unexpected fashion statement during a surprise appearance at the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday night. Sandler, who wore a baby blue zip-up Aviator Nation hoodie with basketball shorts, caught the attention of host Conan O’Brien.
“For such a prestigious night, it’s important that everyone is properly dressed,” O’Brien said, later quipping that Sandler was “dressed like a guy playing video poker at 2 a.m.”
“Nobody even thought about what I was wearing till you brought it up!” Sandler screamed as part of the bit.
“I like the way I look because I’m a good person. I don’t care about what I wear or what I don’t wear,” Sandler said. “Did my snazzy gym shorts and fluffy sweatshirt offend you so much that you had to mock me in front of my peers?”
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In a moment of feigned indignation, Sandler threatened to storm out of the ceremony, which prompted O’Brien to apologize for his attack.
“You are all welcome to join me for a game of five-on-five basketball,” Sandler told the dismayed audience.
O’Brien kept the jokes flowing during his opening monologue, lightly jabbing at A-list celebrities and their films while also reminding audiences what the Oscars are really about.
The former late-night host introduced all the best picture nominees, including “Anora.”
“Anora uses the F word 479 times. That’s three more than the record set by Karla Sofía Gascón
‘s publicist,” he jabbed,
referencing Gascón’s controversial social media posts
that resurfaced and a rough Oscar campaign for “Emilia Pérez
,” which went into the night with 13 nominations.
O’Brien also made room for the serious, recognizing the Hollywood community behind the scenes such as crafts people, artisans, technicians and costumers, as well as what the Oscars mean to everyone involved in Los Angeles and viewers at home.
“For almost a century, we have paused every spring to elevate and celebrate an art form that has the power, at its very best, to unite us,” O’Brien said. “Even in the face of terrible wildfires and divisive politics, the work, which is what this is about, the work continues. And next year, and for years to come, through trauma and joy, this seemingly absurd ritual is going to be here.”
Contributing: David Oliver, USA TODAY
