The 97th edition of the Academy Awards, held on March 2, 2025, at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, left an indelible mark—not only for the awards and stellar performances but also for the comedic moments led by the ceremony’s host, Conan O’Brien. One of the most talked-about moments was, without a doubt, the joke aimed at renowned Spanish actor Antonio Banderas.
During his opening monologue, O’Brien referenced the film “Babygirl: Forbidden Desire,” starring Banderas, which received no nominations. With his signature sharp wit, the host joked that Banderas played a man who didn’t know how to give pleasure to his wife and added, with a touch of irony, that the actor “could have taken lessons from me” to better prepare for the role.
The quip drew loud laughter from the audience, filled with Hollywood’s biggest stars, and quickly went viral on social media. Users on platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter) debated the moment, generating memes and comments that made Antonio Banderas’s name trend worldwide.
Far from being offended, the Malaga-born actor responded to the joke with elegance and good humor. Through his official account, he posted a simple but direct message: “My friend,” accompanied by a laughing emoji, making it clear he took the comment in stride.
The exchange between Conan O’Brien and Antonio Banderas showcased the lighter and more entertaining side of the Academy Awards, reinforcing that beyond the competition and solemnity of the event, there is always room for laughter and camaraderie.
Without a doubt, this comedic moment joins the long list of memorable Oscar anecdotes, solidifying O’Brien as a master of comedy and Banderas as a cinema gentleman who knows how to laugh at himself.
