The Daily Populous Monday March 3rd, 2025 day edition
Authored by independent.co.uk and submitted by CrispyMiner

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Conan O’Brien seemed to make a thinly veiled dig at Donald Trump’s relationship with Vladimir Putin at the 97th Academy Awards, joking about “standing up to a powerful Russian.”

“Anora is having a good night,” the comedian said, referring to the success of Sean Baker’s film, which picked up several awards Sunday evening.

“That's great news. Two wins already. I guess Americans are excited to see somebody finally stand up to a powerful Russian.” The joke drew both laughs and resounding applause from the audience.

open image in gallery Conan O’Brien made a joke about ‘standing up to powerful Russian’ that drew large applause from the audience ( AFP via Getty Images )

Anora follows the story of a young sex worker from Brooklyn, played by Mikey Madison, who gets her chance at a Cinderella story when she meets and marries the son of an oligarch.

However, once the news reaches Russia, her fairytale is threatened as his parents set out for New York to get the marriage annulled. Anora tries her best to stand up to the billionaire parents and hold on to her newfound fortune.

O’Brien received praise online for the zinger, with some saying the joke was “the line of the night.” “Conan still the absolute best,” wrote one X user. “Perfect #maga's about to have a meltdown,” added another.

open image in gallery It comes shortly after the disastrous meeting between Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump and vice president JD Vance on Friday ( AFP via Getty Images )

The joke came after the disastrous meeting between Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump and vice president JD Vance Friday. Many criticized Trump and Vance for “ambushing” Zelensky, after both Republicans demanded he show gratitude for U.S. military assistance during the war against Russia.

Trump later complained that he and Putin had both been subjected to a similar “witch hunt” following allegations that Russia helped Trump's presidential campaigns.

"Putin went through a hell of a lot with me. He went through a phony witch hunt where they used him and Russia, Russia," the president said.

JamUpGuy1989 on March 3rd, 2025 at 04:11 UTC »

Conan HATES topical humor. He brings it up on the podcast all the time that it dates his work and wants to do "timeless" comedy to be enjoyed at any time.

So when Conan decides he wants to be political, you know you fucked up.

Sabiancym on March 3rd, 2025 at 04:03 UTC »

So how many threats will Conan and every winner who criticized Trump in their acceptance speech get?

You know they're coming. Even though MAGA likely doesn't watch the Oscar's, they have a bat signal for anyone criticizing their dear leader.

CrispyMiner on March 3rd, 2025 at 03:16 UTC »

Conan's full quote: "Anora is having a good night. That's great news. Two wins already. I guess Americans are excited to see somebody finally stand up to a powerful Russian."