“Production design!” exclaimed 2025 Oscars presenter Ben Stiller, after he stalled on a “malfunctioning” rising platform at the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday night. It was, arguably, the best bit of the broadcast.
Though the audience could only see the top third of Stiller’s body, he valiantly continued on, waxing poetic about the importance of production design.
“Production designers bring the visual world of a screenplay to life. It is a field where the slightest miscalculation could lose the trust of the audience, and humiliate the performers on screen.”
At this point, the rising platform bringing Stiller up to stage finally started to move.
“Production designers plan meticulously, creating sketches that illustrate a film’s mood and atmosphere,” Stiller said, attempting to step up on the main stage.
Unfortunately, at this point the “malfunctioning” platform began to lower again.
“They handle everything from visual details, to massive technical challenges, to collaborated with the director to create the final image on screen, making sure you what you are seeing is exactly what the artist intended.”
Stiller started speeding up his speech as he rapidly sunk lower and lower, until only the top of his head could be seen.
Finally, Stiller was reduced to hopping up and down in order to finish his presenter speech.
“Here! Are! The nominees! For Production Design!” Stiller shouted at the apex of each jump.
It’s a perfect bit, and Stiller’s delivery was spot-on. Plus, Stiller was even played on by the score to Night At the Museum, a fun nod to the comedian’s past filmography.
There have been a lot of funny moments at the 2025, but personally, this was my favorite. It was a nice reminder of Stiller’s comedy chops, in a moment where everyone can’t stop talking about the dark sci-fi Apple TV+ drama Severance, which Stiller directs and produces. At the end of the day, Stiller comes from comedy, and he’s very much still making audiences laugh.
And for the record, Wicked won Best Production Design. It’s important!
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