Josh O’Connor has mixed feelings about hosting “Saturday Night Live.” “It’s an easy yes because it’s like, iconic and the coolest and the biggest honor ever to be asked,” O’Connor said Monday night at the Los Angeles premiere of “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. “But I’m also, like, shitting myself.” The “Challengers” star is set to host “SNL” on Dec. 13 with musical guest Lily Allen. In preparation for the big night, O’Connor reached out to Paul Mescal, who hosted on Dec. 7, 2024, for advice, and plans to ask his “Wake Up Dead Man” co-star, Josh Brolin, who previously hosted the show three times, for tips. However, O’Connor added he isn’t holding his breath for any Earth-shaking guidance. “Everyone’s been kind of useless in different ways,” O’Connor joked. “Paul started off by being incredibly encouraging and reassuring, and then, I guess, forgot the brief, and by the end was like, ‘Then you have a panic attack.’ I’m just excited, and I’m so honored to be asked.” Brolin told Variety that he’s advised many young stars before they made their “SNL” debut, including Glen Powell, who hosted the show on Nov. 15. He added that one of the only people who didn’t need the help was Timothée Chalamet, who hosted for the first time in 2020. “The only person I didn’t give advice to is Timothée, and Timothée was brilliant. And I thought Glenn was really good,” Brolin shared. “But I’m just like, lend yourself to it entirely. Don’t pull back. Don’t try to be cool. Be stupid. Goes all the way with the stupid, and you’ll have a really good time.” O’Connor stars in “Wake Up Dead Man” as former boxer turned priest Jud Duplenticy, who is sent to help Brolin’s charismatic clergyman Jefferson Wicks. Wick’s circle includes churchgoer Martha Delacroix (Glenn Close), groundskeeper Samson Holt (Thomas Haden Church), lawyer Vera Draven (Kerry Washington), aspiring lawmaker Cy Draven (Daryl McCormack), local physician Nat Sharp (Jeremy Renner), concert cellist Simone Vivane (Cailee Spaeny) and writer Lee Ross (Andrew Scott). Series star Daniel Craig returns as debonair detective Benoit Blanc, who must solve a murder mystery in the church community.
https://variety.com/2025/film/news/josh-oconnor-snl-easy-yes-panic-attack-paul-mescal-advice-1236584323/
Tag Archives: connor
NASCAR champion has a message for upcoming Cup rookie Connor Zilisch: “You’re going to get here and fall on your face”
Connor Zilisch is at the center of one of NASCAR’s biggest conversations after Joey Logano delivered a candid message about the challenges that lie ahead for the young driver. The exchange was highlighted in an ESPN report discussing what Zilisch should expect as he prepares to enter the NASCAR Cup Series.
Zilisch is set to join Trackhouse Racing full-time in 2026, where he will pilot the No. 88 Chevrolet backed by major partners Red Bull and WeatherTech. In the ESPN article, Logano acknowledged Zilisch’s talent but warned that talent alone won’t guarantee success at the Cup level. He explained, “You cannot drink your own Kool Aid too much where you think you are the next thing because you are going to get here and fall on your face.”
Logano reflected on his own career as an example, noting that he was thrust into the Cup Series early and quickly realized the gap between the lower series and the Cup was larger than he anticipated. Kyle Busch also weighed in, warning that the jump to Cup is tougher than it seems. He described the transition from Xfinity to Cup as a “rude awakening,” adding, “Drivers do not get it or cannot comprehend that step.” Busch emphasized that, “There are no breaks given whether you are racing for the win, a top 10, or 32nd.”
Connor Zilisch’s racing journey began early—he started karting at the age of five. At fourteen, he won the FIA Karting Academy Trophy, then progressed through a diverse range of motorsports, including sports cars, MX-5 Cup, Trans Am, endurance racing, and stock cars. Veteran driver Kevin Harvick played a significant role in guiding Zilisch toward a NASCAR career.
Zilisch’s resume is impressive, with victories at the 24 Hours of Daytona, the 12 Hours of Sebring, Late Models, ARCA, Trucks, and the Xfinity Series.
### How Connor Zilisch Handled Losing the Xfinity Title
Before fully turning his attention to the Cup Series, Zilisch faced a setback in the Xfinity Series championship at Phoenix. Despite a record-setting season with dominant performances, the 19-year-old finished behind his close friend Jesse Love, who claimed the title.
Starting the race ahead of other title contenders, Zilisch ultimately fell short but maintained a level-headed perspective. Three days later, in a press conference featured on NASCAR’s official website, he reflected on the defeat:
“At the end of the day, I did everything I could. And my team, the whole JR Motorsports group, we gave our all, and I do not have any reason to be upset about what happened.”
He added, “Yeah, it stings. It sucks. But we did everything we could and we tried our best.”
Zilisch emphasized that he would only regret the outcome if he felt he had left something undone, which he clearly had not. “If I walked out of that place knowing that I could have done something differently, then I probably would have been a little more upset. But I gave it my all. I did everything I could, and the result was not meant to be.”
### Looking Ahead: The Cup Series Future
With his Xfinity chapter behind him, Connor Zilisch will make his move to the NASCAR Cup Series next season, joining Trackhouse Racing alongside teammates Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen. Stefan Parsons will serve as his spotter, helping guide his transition to the sport’s top level.
As the motorsports community watches closely, Zilisch’s talent, work ethic, and grounded attitude will be key factors as he steps into one of the most competitive racing environments in the world.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nascar/news-nascar-champion-message-upcoming-cup-rookie-connor-zilisch-you-re-going-get-fall-face
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Reflects on Connor Zilisch’s 2025 Xfinity Series Season After Championship Loss
Connor Zilisch’s 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series campaign was one of the most dominant rookie seasons in recent years. The JR Motorsports driver captured 10 race victories and clinched the regular-season points title. Yet, despite his impressive performance, Zilisch fell short of the championship at Phoenix Raceway, where Jesse Love claimed the title.
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### Earnhardt Jr. Credits Jesse Love and RCR’s Strong Performance
Following the race, JR Motorsports co-owner and NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr. reflected on the team’s season and shared his thoughts on how things played out.
Earnhardt Jr. acknowledged Jesse Love’s speed and Richard Childress Racing’s preparation.
> “It’s easier to take because he beat you, and it wasn’t something,” Earnhardt Jr. said after the race. “Yeah, for sure. I mean, a little bit easier to get, this is the traditional way than having some spooky happen at the end.”
He continued,
> “I saw both in practice, and was, goodness gracious, man, they came loaded, ready. Gotta give them credit, man. They dialed him in good on the first run. They dialed him in and got him better, and he was the best when it counted.”
Despite the disappointment, Earnhardt Jr. expressed pride in Connor Zilisch and the team’s effort.
> “That’s tough to watch, but our guys worked really hard to do what they did,” he said. “I’m proud of them. I’m proud of all of our teams for working as hard as they did all year.”
He also spoke about the nature of the sport.
> “I’ve been in this a long time, and you go on the racetrack, you’re gonna be disappointed more often than you’ll be happy,” he said. “You gotta know what you’re signing up for coming here. This is the possibility of the results. So you certainly have to work harder and try to be in a better position.”
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### A Message of Encouragement for Connor Zilisch
Earnhardt Jr. addressed Connor Zilisch’s emotions following the race, acknowledging that the young driver was understandably heartbroken.
> “Well, I don’t know if you can tell me much that will make it feel better tonight,” he said. “He is heartbroken, but there’ll be worse days at the racetrack for him. This ain’t a defining moment. There’ll be days and hard times in the future that’ll tower over moments like this.”
He reminded us that racing often teaches humility.
> “Unfortunately, because it’s a sport, man humbles you, and there are some tough moments in front of him,” Earnhardt Jr. added. “That’s all I can tell him, hey, this ain’t the worst day. It won’t be the worst. Don’t feel like that right now, but try to be proud.”
Earnhardt Jr. remains confident about Connor Zilisch’s career.
> “He may have a chance to run for a championship again down the road,” he said. “I wouldn’t want him to think that this was his only shot because you never know what might come up. But he’s a great kid, had a great year, and I was thankful to be part of it. We didn’t win the trophy, but I had more fun than ever as an owner, being involved hands-on with everything. So it’s a great year, and we’re looking forward to next year, ready to go to Daytona tomorrow.”
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### Accepting the Outcome
Earnhardt Jr. reflected on NASCAR’s championship format, noting how it can lead to surprising results.
> “It’s hard for some people to reconcile the fact that Connor went well,” he said. “There’ve been years where guys have dominated and didn’t win the championship, even with the old format, one we all love, even that had its flaws. So it’s just the format. There are just ones we all prefer more than others.”
He added that he was prepared to accept any outcome before the race.
> “I was ready after my podcast on Tuesday when Jesse was there. I was ready to accept the outcome no matter what it was,” Earnhardt Jr. said. “Love this sport, love the Xfinity Series, and I love what we’ve been able to do here. I wanted to be a champion tonight, but we just were not. I have pride in Jesse Love and RCR and celebrate that. I’m proud and happy for Danny Lawrence and all those people over there at RCR; they’re like family to me.”
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Connor Zilisch’s rookie season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series was a remarkable showcase of talent and determination. While the championship slipped away, the future looks bright for this young driver and the JR Motorsports team. Fans and insiders alike can look forward to seeing what’s next for Zilisch as he continues to build on a promising career.
https://heavy.com/sports/nascar/dale-earnhardt-jr-connor-zilischs-2025-xfinity-championship-loss/
Varsity Maine football honor roll for Week 8
Connor Ayoob, Thornton Academy
The senior had another standout performance in a matchup of the top two teams in the Varsity Maine poll, carrying the ball 40 times for 304 yards and three touchdowns in Thornton’s 42-21 win at Bonny Eagle. He also caught a pass for 15 yards.
Cole Curtis, Mountain Valley
Curtis ran for 154 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries and caught two passes for 28 yards in a 30-26 loss to Mattanawcook.
Joey Foley, Deering
Foley returned the opening kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown and added touchdown runs of 2, 60, and 22 yards as the Rams beat Lewiston, 46-0.
Dillon Gray, Mt. Blue
Gray rushed 15 times for 149 yards and two touchdowns, and was in on 13 tackles in a 34-26 setback to Skowhegan.
Benjamin Hanke, Cony
Hanke caught five passes for 127 yards and three touchdowns and snatched an interception in a 54-10 win over Gardiner.
Cordell Jones, Portland
Jones carried the ball 22 times for 174 yards and four touchdowns, completed 5 of 7 passes for 90 yards and a score, and made 10 tackles in the Bulldogs’ 33-21 win at Exeter, New Hampshire.
Drew McGrath, Sanford
McGrath reeled in three passes for 136 yards and a touchdown, and added an interception in a 42-20 loss to Marshwood.
Luke Piper, Greely
Piper completed 13 of 19 passes for 293 yards and four touchdowns in a 36-16 win over Oceanside. He also ran three times for 24 yards.
Ben Porter, Winthrop/Monmouth/Hall-Dale
Porter caught four passes for 108 yards and a touchdown on offense, and had six tackles (one for loss) and an interception on defense in a 41-6 win over Maranacook.
https://www.centralmaine.com/2025/10/28/varsity-maine-football-honor-roll-for-week-8/