The 97th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, had all the usual glitz and glamour. Hollywood’s elite showed up in their finest, the red carpet brimming with designer gowns and sharp tuxedos. But then there was Adam Sandler, who, true to form, looked more ready for a pickup game than a black-tie event. In a sea of polished looks, Sandler’s laid-back vibe and unapologetic Knicks fandom were a refreshing twist, proving yet again why he’s one of Hollywood’s most relatable stars.
How Adam Sandler’s Laid-Back Style Brought New York Vibes to Hollywood’s Biggest Night
Adam Sandler’s love for the New York Knicks is no Hollywood act. He’s a real fan—the kind who can be spotted courtside at Madison Square Garden or shooting hoops at a neighborhood park. His passion for basketball is woven into his work, from his gritty role in “Uncut Gems” to his love letter to the sport in “Hustle”. And at the Oscars, he didn’t switch gears. He showed up in a teal Aviator Nation sweatshirt, baggy purple shorts, and “Championship Mindset” Curry 11 sneakers—basically, classic Sandler.
Host Conan O’Brien couldn’t resist ribbing him for it:
“You’re dressed like a guy playing video poker at 2 a.m.,” he quipped, earning a big laugh from the audience.
Sandler, as unbothered as ever, played along:
“I like the way I look. Because I’m a good person,” he shot back, mock-offended and grinning.
And of course, the Knicks love didn’t end with his outfit. At one point, Sandler even invited everyone to a midnight basketball game at Veteran Park. It was peak Sandler—equal parts comedy and genuine offer. He’s the kind of guy who might actually show up, sneakers in hand, ready to shoot around with whoever took him seriously.
Timothée Chalamet and Adam Sandler: A Knicks Bromance at the Oscars
One of the night’s best moments came when Sandler spotted fellow Knicks fan Timothée Chalamet. Their friendship, built on a shared love of basketball, has been brewing for a while. Back in 2023, they even played a casual pickup game together. At the Oscars, Sandler’s loud “Chalamet!” shout across the room and the bear hug that followed were as real as it gets—just two guys, more pumped about hoops than Hollywood.
Chalamet, always a fashion wildcard, showed up in a bold yellow suit. But when Sandler wrapped him in that hug, he could have just as easily been back in New York, two fans geeking out after a game. It was a raw, unfiltered moment in a night often built on polished performances—a reminder that, behind all the Hollywood magic, genuine friendships and real fandoms still thrive.
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Adam Sandler didn’t need to take home a trophy to steal the show at the 2025 Oscars. He brought humor, heart, and a slice of New York realness to the ceremony. In a room full of stars, his mix of casual charm and die-hard Knicks loyalty was a breath of fresh air. It wasn’t just the jokes or the outfit—it was the feeling that if you bumped into him on the street, he’d be the exact same guy. And that’s what made Sandler’s presence at the Oscars feel like a win—for him and for anyone who’s ever loved a team as much as he loves the Knicks.