Oscars viewers this year had a bit of a surprise when they realized who was doing the voiceovers. The 97th Academy Awards took place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, with all the big categories up for grabs — Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, and so on.
Conan O’Brien was hosting, which in itself was a big deal, and his opening skit already had people talking. But while everyone was focused on that, some viewers started noticing something else.
The voice announcing the winners? Sounded very familiar.
Oscars fans realize a familiar voice is behind the announcements
Last year, the Oscars voiceover job went to David Alan Grier. Fun fact: Ronald Reagan was actually the first person to do it.
But this time, it was someone very recognizable. Not just the voice — the person too.
Viewers can’t believe who’s behind the voiceover
One person was quick to ask, “Is……is that Nick Offerman doing the winner voiceovers for the Oscars?”
Then came a funny little moment. Offerman’s voiceover made a big deal about O’Brien hosting for the first time, playing up how much pressure that brings. The camera then cut backstage, and sure enough—there was The Last of Us star himself.
“NICK OFFERMAN WHAT ARE YOU DOING THERE? FOR GOD’S SAKE I LOVE YOU,” someone else posted.
Another person was all for it, saying, “Honestly loving Nick Offerman’s conviction and authority in the room tonight as the ‘voice of god.’ Fingers crossed he gets pulled into a bit tonight, or we at least see him on camera.”
And then there was this: “I just realized Nick Offerman is the announcer. If this is the Academy’s way of getting a newer generation of viewers, it’s working for me.”
Nick Offerman is best known for his role in Parks and Rec
If Offerman’s name doesn’t ring a bell, his most famous role definitely does. He played the legendary Ron Swanson in Parks and Recreation — arguably one of the best TV characters of all time.
Offerman also starred in The Last of Us series
More recently, Offerman had a big role in HBO’s The Last of Us. He played Bill in the first season, delivering a performance that got a ton of praise.
Funny thing is, even though The Last of Us is based on a video game, Offerman never actually played it. And there’s a pretty good reason why.
He opened up about his past video game addiction
Offerman once talked about this on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Apparently, years ago, he got completely sucked into a game called Banjo-Kazooie — and it took over his life for a while.
“Twenty-five years ago I played my last video game, and I’m very indulgent. I lost a couple of weeks to a video game called Banjo-Kazooie,” he admitted.
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He described how it pulled him in: “Two weeks went by and I was like, ‘Oh my god, the slow dopamine drip is so delicious.’ Then it’s over and you’re like, ‘Yes, I won.’ And immediately I’m like, ‘What have I done with my life?’”
He avoids playing video games now
After that, he decided to quit gaming completely. “So I decided that I’m never going to do that again,” he said.
And honestly, it’s probably for the best. He joked that if he started playing modern games — especially ones as good as The Last of Us — he’d never leave his house. “I think I’d be in a basement and I wouldn’t even be going to audition for shows like this.”
Conan O’Brien’s hosting sparks conversation at the Oscars
Meanwhile, Conan O’Brien, who was hosting the ceremony, had people talking too. His opening skit stirred up some controversy, though opinions were definitely mixed.
That’s the whole story — Nick Offerman unexpectedly becoming the voice of the Oscars, a bit of Conan drama, and a throwback to Offerman’s Banjo-Kazooie obsession.
Not exactly the kind of night people expected, but definitely one they’ll remember.