The 97th Academy Awards witnessed a truly unexpected and heartwarming moment when host Conan O’Brien took the stage and greeted Indian viewers in Hindi. In an evening that celebrates cinematic excellence, O’Brien’s gesture stood out as a powerful acknowledgment of the Academy’s diverse global audience.
The Oscars, traditionally dominated by Hollywood’s English-speaking elite, have increasingly recognized international talent in recent years. By incorporating Hindi into his monologue, O’Brien took this a step further, embracing linguistic diversity in a way that resonated with millions across the world.
Conan’s Hindi Greeting Takes Center Stage
As the show opened, O’Brien addressed the global audience but made a special mention of Indian viewers, saying:
“Bharat ke logon ko namaskar, wahan subah ho chuki hai toh mujhe ummeed hai ki naashte ke saath Oscars dekh rahe hain,”
which translates to:
“Greetings to the people of India, it’s morning there, so I hope you’re having breakfast while watching the Oscars.”
This thoughtful and humorous nod acknowledged the time difference between Hollywood and India, subtly recognizing the massive Indian viewership that tunes in every year despite the early morning telecast.
A Multilingual Oscars Moment
O’Brien’s gesture wasn’t limited to Hindi—his monologue also featured phrases in Spanish and Mandarin, highlighting the Academy’s increasing efforts to engage with its worldwide audience.
This move set a precedent for future Oscar hosts, proving that simple yet meaningful cultural inclusions can make the event feel more welcoming for international viewers. By incorporating different languages, O’Brien not only brought laughter but also emphasized the global nature of cinema and the Academy Awards.
Social Media Erupts with Praise
Moments after O’Brien’s Hindi greeting aired, social media platforms buzzed with excitement. Fans across India and beyond praised the host’s effort to make the ceremony feel more inclusive.
One user humorously tweeted, “Conan O’Brien deserves an Oscar for best Hindi pronunciation! The accent was funny, but the effort was amazing.”
Another posted, “Hollywood is finally recognizing its global audience. This is how you host an international event!”
Many users compared O’Brien’s gesture to previous Academy Awards hosts, pointing out that such efforts make non-English-speaking viewers feel valued and connected to the event. Within hours, #ConanInHindi and #Oscars2025 were trending across social media platforms.
The Oscars’ Evolution Towards Inclusivity
O’Brien’s multilingual approach reflects a broader shift within the Academy towards diversity and representation. Over the past decade, the Oscars have expanded their recognition of international films and artists, with non-English films like Parasite and RRR making historic wins.
By incorporating greetings in Hindi, Spanish, and Mandarin, the Oscars acknowledged their global audience in a way that goes beyond awarding trophies. Such gestures foster a deeper connection with international viewers, making them feel like an integral part of Hollywood’s biggest night.