Mary Rooke Commentary and Analysis Writer
A conservative theme stole the show at the Oscars on Sunday night.
The audience for Hollywood award shows is dwindling and has for years. The reality is that most Americans do not care to hear Hollywood weirdos barking about how they should support left-wing ideologies and hate their country.
However, millions still tune into the Oscars. Most of them are likely middle-American moms and young women. It’s less a sign of approval of the Hollywood elite and their antics, and more of them just wanting to see beautiful people dressed in designer clothes. They can stomach the “land acknowledgments” if it means they’ll spot their favorite starlet wearing Dior, Louis Vuitton, or Schiaparelli.
Two time Academy Award winner Emma Stone at the 97th #Oscars.
Photo Credit: Roger Kisby pic.twitter.com/XvkO3LMH7O
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 3, 2025
But for the first time in a long time, the Oscars delivered a win for conservatives.
Kieran Culkin, who became famous for his role in the Home Alone franchise, won the award for best supporting actor. He used his acceptance speech to have a public conversation with his wife that was pro-marriage, children, and natural order. (Sign up for Mary Rooke’s weekly newsletter here!)
“I wanna really, I love you, Jazz. This is, I have to thank my wife, Jazz, for absolutely everything, for giving me my favorite people in the world. This is — please don’t play the music because I want to tell a really quick story about Jazz. About a year ago, I was on a stage like this and I very stupidly, publicly said that I want a third kid from her because she said if I won the award, I would, she would give me the kid. It turns out she said that because she didn’t think I was gonna win,” Culkin said.
The 97th #Oscars Best Supporting Actor Kieran Culkin with last year’s winner Robert Downey Jr.
Photo Credit: Matt Sayles pic.twitter.com/m4APME7xSu
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 3, 2025
“After the show, we’re walking through a parking lot, she’s holding the Emmy, we’re trying to find a car. Emily, you were there, so you’re a witness, and she goes, ‘Oh God, I did say that. I guess I owe you a third kid,’ and I turned to her and I said, ‘Really I want four.’ And she turned to me, I swear to God this happened, it was just over a year ago, she said, ‘I will give you four when you win an Oscar,’” he continued. (European Union Plans Retaliation Against Trump)
“I held my hand out, she shook it, and I have not brought it up once until just now. You remember that, honey? You do? Then, I just have this to say to you, Jazz, love of my life, ye of little faith. No pressure. I love you. I’m really sorry I did this again. And let’s get crackin’ on those kids. What do you say? I love you!” Culkin added.
Now most of these award shows feature an actor thanking their wife, claiming she’s the love of their life and they could have never done this without her. Then, one month later, the two filed for divorce. But that’s far from what Culkin did. He took what is typically a self-serving moment and turned it into him begging his wife for a fourth child.
The best part of Culkin’s speech was that it wasn’t some Hollywood version of what family should look like. He is married to his wife (a great first step) and has only children with her. Then, in front of the world, he tells her not only does he love her and thank her for the children they have, but he wants more. (ROOKE: SCOTUS Is About To Determine The Trajectory Of Entire Trump Term)
It’s relatable to any middle-American. It’s what all women, whether they’ll admit it or not, are looking for.
If conservatives don’t find this to be a moment shift in our country, then I’d ask them to contrast this moment with Michelle Williams’ 2020 Golden Globe acceptance speech thanking abortion access for the reason she won.
The fertility rate in the U.S. has been steadily decreasing for decades. The average American family has just 1.94 children under 18, well below the replacement rate. This largely stems from the rise in using abortion as birth control and our culture becoming increasingly anti-family, marriage, and children.
Conservatives have every right to scoff at Oscars attendees for being out-of-touch left-wing ideologues. For the most part they are right. However, if we intend to win the “culture war” (which we should be if we want lasting change in our country), we can’t pretend these shows don’t happen. And we should praise moments of brilliance that somehow find their way into one of Hollywood’s biggest nights.
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