(The Hill) — Conan O’Brien seemingly took a knock at President Donald Trump at the Oscars, saying audiences are happy to see fictional film characters stand up to “a powerful Russian.”

“You know ‘Anora’ is having a good night,” O’Brien, the host of the 97^th annual Academy Awards, said during the ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday.

“That’s great news. Two wins already,” the comedian said of the movie, which is about a sex worker who marries a Russian oligarch’s son.

“I guess Americans are excited to see somebody finally stand up to a powerful Russian,” O’Brien deadpanned to applause from the audience.

Without naming him, the quip appeared to be a swipe at Trump, following a tense Oval Office meeting on Friday between the president, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. During the sometimes-heated and explosive exchange, Trump and Zelensky argued over U.S. support for Ukraine. 

Several Republican political figures, including GOP strategist Karl Rove and Rep. Mike Lawler (N.Y.), have publicly criticized the clash between Trump and Zelensky, saying the only winner of the contentious meeting was Russian President Vladimir Putin. 

“Anora” secured the Oscar for best picture on Sunday as director Sean Baker won the award for director, best original screenplay, and film editing. Mikey Madison also won best actress for her role in “Anora.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.