During her opening monologue at the 2025 Independent Spirit Awards, former Saturday Night Live cast member Aidy Bryant reminisced about an unreleased sketch with Kieran Culkin. The comedic moment involved a kiss that never aired but became a memorable anecdote for Bryant. She humorously addressed the incident, apologizing to Culkin and his wife while also playfully downplaying the intensity of the kiss. Additionally, Bryant touched on the theme of aging in Hollywood, making light of how "40 is the new 20" as the awards show celebrated its 40th anniversary.

The Unaired Sketch: A Comedy Moment Turned Inside Joke

Bryant began her monologue by recalling a unique collaboration with Kieran Culkin during his time hosting Saturday Night Live. An unreleased sketch featured a comedic kiss between them. Despite not airing, this moment sparked a humorous reflection. Bryant shared that Culkin had commented on her enthusiasm during the kiss, which eventually became a personal story she felt compelled to address publicly.

She elaborated on the backstage gossip, mentioning how Culkin’s remark reached her through a co-writer. This led to a situation where Bryant felt the need to clear the air. Apologizing to Culkin and his wife, she added a humorous twist, insisting that her kiss was far from intense. Bryant even joked that if she had truly gone all in, it might have led to more dramatic consequences. Her candor and wit turned what could have been an awkward memory into a laughable anecdote, showcasing her ability to handle sensitive topics with grace and humor.

Hollywood's Changing Landscape: Aging and Milestones

In another segment of her speech, Bryant humorously tackled the subject of aging in Hollywood. She cleverly noted that turning 40 in the entertainment industry is now seen as equivalent to being 20, reflecting on the evolving perceptions of age. This observation resonated with the audience as the Independent Spirit Awards also marked its 40th anniversary.

Bryant’s reflections extended beyond personal anecdotes to broader themes relevant to the film and television industry. By drawing parallels between her own experience and the milestone of the awards show, she highlighted the changing dynamics within Hollywood. Her comments on aging were both self-deprecating and insightful, adding depth to her performance. Bryant’s ability to weave personal stories with industry observations made her monologue engaging and relatable, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. Her remarks not only entertained but also provided food for thought on the evolving standards of success and longevity in the entertainment world.