Pop culture fans get ready for some LOLs and heartwarming moments from the 2025 Oscars! While the awards themselves are a big deal the real buzz was around a mini Parks and Recreation reunion. Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman aka Leslie Knope and Ron Swanson were back together and it was glorious.
Ron Swanson Announcing Amy Poehler? Nick Offerman Hilariously Mispronounces Her Name at Oscars
Yep you heard it right Nick Offerman was the announcer for the whole Oscars show. And in a super fun moment he was tasked with introducing Amy Poehler as a presenter. But in true Ron Swanson style Offerman played it deadpan and totally mispronounced her name. He questioned "Amy Poe-ell-er?" like he was reading it for the first time ever. It was a quick little gag but totally landed with Parks and Rec fans and the audience in the Dolby Theatre.
This wasn't just a random funny bit either. It was a sweet nod to their years working together on the show where their characters Leslie and Ron were total opposites but had this amazing work friendship. Offerman's dry humor and Poehler's energetic personality always played off each other perfectly and it was clear that chemistry is still there.
Leslie Knope Takes the Stage: Amy Poehler Presents Screenplay Awards with a Writing Joke
Amy Poehler herself was at the Oscars to present the awards for Best Original Screenplay and Best Adapted Screenplay. And she brought her comedic timing to the stage as well. Before announcing the nominees she quipped "I believe it was William Shakespeare who said 'Writing is a bitch.'" The line got a great reaction from the crowd of writers and filmmakers in the room.
Poehler then presented the Best Original Screenplay award to Sean Baker for Anora and the Best Adapted Screenplay award to Peter Straughan for Conclave. It was a big night for writers and Poehler was there to celebrate them in her own funny way.
Ron Swanson's Voice Rings Through Hollywood: Nick Offerman as Oscars Announcer is a Hit
Nick Offerman as the announcer for the 2025 Oscars? Genius casting. Fans watching at home immediately recognized that distinctive voice. People took to social media saying they knew it was Ron Swanson aka Nick Offerman. Even Oscars host Conan O'Brien gave Offerman a shoutout during the show confirming it was indeed him.
Offerman's voice is just iconic especially if you are a Parks and Rec fan. His deep brusque tones added a unique flavor to the Oscars broadcast. He took over the announcer role which has some history Ronald Reagan actually was the first Oscars announcer way back in 1953.
Offerman has credited his role as Ron Swanson for a lot of his career success. He mentioned on a podcast that the show really made him recognizable and opened doors for him. Since Parks and Rec he has starred in shows like The Last of Us and movies like Civil War showing his range beyond just comedy.
Oscars Highlights: Conan O'Brien's Hosting Jokes and Big Winners of the Night
Conan O'Brien hosted the 97th Academy Awards and he brought his signature brand of humor. His opening monologue included jokes about Timothée Chalamet Karla Sofía Gascón and even a song-and-dance number with a Dune sandworm. He also made sure to acknowledge the recent wildfires in Los Angeles adding a touch of seriousness to the comedy.
Here are some of the big winners from the night:
- Best Picture: Anora
- Best Actor: Adrien Brody (The Brutalist)
- Best Actress: Mikey Madison (Anora)
- Best Original Screenplay: Sean Baker (Anora)
- Best Adapted Screenplay: Peter Straughan (Conclave)
Netflix's Emilia Pérez led the nominations with 13 nods and ended up winning two awards. It was a night of surprises laughs and of course a bit of Pawnee charm thanks to Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman.
Parks and Rec Forever: Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman's On-Screen Magic
Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman's Parks and Recreation characters were comedy gold. Leslie Knope's enthusiasm clashed hilariously with Ron Swanson's libertarian grumpiness. But beyond the comedy Poehler and Offerman clearly have a great working relationship and friendship. They even revealed that they used to make out at the end of scenes just to mess with the crew and try to get on the blooper reel. That's commitment to comedy.
Poehler has said that working with Offerman was a "gift" praising his understated style that contrasted with her own more energetic approach. That dynamic is what made Leslie and Ron so memorable and why seeing them together at the Oscars even briefly was such a treat for fans.
Rewatch the Oscars and Catch the Parks and Rec Reunion!
Missed the 2025 Oscars? No worries! You can catch a replay of the whole show on Hulu and ABC.com. Definitely worth watching to see Conan O'Brien's hosting Nick Offerman's announcer work Amy Poehler's presenting and of course that sweet Parks and Rec moment. It was a night of Hollywood celebrating itself with some genuine laughs and a touch of Pawnee spirit thrown in for good measure.