All Of It Podcast Summary: Recapping the Oscars with Louis Fertel

Podcast Information:

• Title: All Of It
• Host: Alison Stewart
• Guest: Louis Fertel, Co-host of Keep It a Oscar Fanatic
• Episode Title: Recapping the Oscars with Louis Fertel
• Release Date: March 3, 2025
• Air Time: Weekdays from 12:00 - 2:00PM on WNYC

Introduction

In this episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart delves into the highlights of the 97th Annual Academy Awards with special guest Louis Fertel, co-host of Keep It a Oscar Fanatic. The discussion provides a comprehensive overview of the night's events, including historic wins, memorable speeches, and unexpected moments that colored Hollywood's biggest night.

Overview of the 97th Annual Academy Awards

a. Historical Milestones

The 97th Oscars were marked by several groundbreaking achievements:

• Paul Tazewell became the first Black man to win an Oscar for Best Costume Design.
• Zoe Saldana made history as the first American of Dominican descent to win an Academy Award.
• Honora Ryder and Director Shawn Baker achieved an unprecedented feat by winning four Oscars on the same night for the same film.

Louis Fertel (02:26) expressed his excitement, stating, “I'm so psyched to be here,” highlighting the significance of these milestones in diversifying the Academy's recognition.

b. Host Conan O’Brien’s Performance

Conan O’Brien took the helm as host for the first time, bringing his characteristic blend of humor and homage to the film industry. Fertel praised Conan’s ability to balance reverent commentary with whimsical humor, noting his "Monty Python level silliness" (04:28) during the monologue. The host maintained control over the event, ensuring a smooth flow while injecting moments of unexpected hilarity, such as the musical number titled "I'm not going to waste your time" (05:25), which Fertel found delightfully brief yet amusing.

Key Moments and Speeches

a. Conan O’Brien’s Monologue and Handling of Controversies

Conan addressed the Emilia Perez controversy involving Carla Sofia Gascon’s past racist tweets. Fertel appreciated Conan’s handling of the situation, saying, “it was necessary to make a joke about that” (06:36) and admired the comedian's ability to integrate current events seamlessly into his performance without derailing the evening.

b. Best Director Sean Baker’s Speech

Sean Baker, winner of Best Director, delivered a passionate speech advocating for the preservation of movie theaters. He emphasized the communal experience of watching films in theaters versus streaming at home (09:41). Fertel lauded Baker's preparedness and the speech's heartfelt message, drawing parallels to Alanis Morissette's emotive music video "You Learn" (10:37).

c. Adrien Brody’s Long Speech

Adrien Brody set a new record for the lengthiest Oscar speech, which Fertel humorously remarked as “the longest speech an actor has given in Oscars history” (17:29). Despite the extended duration, Brody included memorable lines that Fertel found charming, particularly the playful interaction with his wife, Halle Berry, making the moment both personal and entertaining.

d. Zoe Saldana’s Award and Speech

Zoe Saldana’s acceptance speech was a heartfelt tribute to her immigrant parents and her grandmother, Argentina Sese. Fertel highlighted her powerful performance in Amelia Perez and noted, “she simply had to do the most” (15:52), underscoring her dedication and versatility as an actress despite the surrounding controversies.

e. Kieran Culkin’s Speech

Kieran Culkin brought humor to his Best Supporting Actor acceptance with a playful recount of his promise to his wife regarding having more children if he won (19:39). Fertel appreciated the light-hearted nature of Culkin’s speech, noting the genuine charm and back-and-forth humor between Culkin and his wife, which made the moment memorable and endearing.

Audience and Caller Reactions

a. Caller Judy’s Observation

Listener Judy from Brooklyn pointed out that both Best Actor and Best Actress winners were Jewish for the first time since 1937 (12:54). Fertel confirmed the rarity of this occurrence, adding historical context and expressing amazement at this unique alignment of awards.

b. Other Audience Feedback

Throughout the episode, Alison Stewart invited listeners to share their thoughts. Fertel encouraged engagement by emphasizing the community aspect of the show, reiterating, “Let’s check in with Judy... Louis, you are also an expert. Is Judy correct?” (12:54), fostering an interactive dialogue with the audience.

Musical Performances and Tributes

a. Conan's "I'm Not Gonna Waste Your Time" Number

Conan's musical interlude was highlighted as a standout moment, blending humor with musical talent (05:25). Fertel appreciated the creativity and brevity of the performance, likening it to classic animated series humor.

b. James Bond Tribute

The tribute to James Bond included performances of three Bond songs, which Fertel found somewhat disjointed and lacking cohesion (21:47). However, he praised Ariana Grande’s rendition of "Over the Rainbow" as a spectacular opener that resonated well with diverse audiences.

c. Carly Simon’s "Nobody Does It Better"

Fertel expressed disappointment over the absence of Carly Simon’s iconic Bond theme, "Nobody Does It Better," noting its significance and the expectation for it to feature prominently in any Bond tribute.

Final Thoughts and Conclusions from Louis Fertel

Louis Fertel concluded the discussion by reflecting on the unpredictable nature of the Oscar season, the significance of historic wins, and the memorable performances that defined the evening. He appreciated the blend of humor and heartfelt moments, particularly highlighting Conan O’Brien’s effective hosting and Adrien Brody’s lengthy yet charming acceptance speech.

Fertel also expressed enthusiasm for future episodes, humorously suggesting a recurring segment focused on major award shows, underscoring his passion for awards season coverage.

Notable Quotes:

• Louis Fertel (02:53): “I think this year voters weren't sure really what they loved.”
• Conan O’Brien (05:43): “Carla, Sofia Gascoigne is here tonight and…”
• Louis Fertel (07:35): “It’s just a completely unusual sight.”
• Louis Fertel (10:57): “Anybody who loves the Oscars is sitting in a theater watching these movies…”
• Adrien Brody (16:59): “Please, please, please. I'm wrapping up.”
• Louis Fertel (19:39): “I was on the red carpet yesterday...”

Conclusion

This episode of All Of It provided an insightful and engaging recap of the 97th Academy Awards, blending historical context, personal anecdotes, and expert analysis. Louis Fertel’s enthusiastic participation enriched the conversation, offering listeners a nuanced perspective on the evening's events. Whether discussing groundbreaking achievements, memorable speeches, or unexpected moments, the episode captured the essence of an Oscars night that was both historic and entertaining.