At a time when Conan O’Brien should be thinking of parody songs to sing about “The Brutalist” and “Conclave,” host of the 97th Academy Awards instead trying to figure out how Hollywood will want to celebrate amid tragic losses in Southern California forest fires. To talk to The Hollywood Reporter at Sundance 2025 Film Festival, the former late night host and current podcasters shared that he has begun working with his writers and the producers of the Oscars on material, but is not yet sure exactly what the ceremony will be. Especially considering fires are still raging and everything could change between now and March 2, when the awards show will be held at Ovation Hollywood in the Dolby Theater.
“You never know one way or the other. It’s a moving target, so I want to make sure we do that show that meets the moment on March 2,” O’Brien says. “And that we shine a light on a lot of people in LA who have been affected – that we are a mixture of sensitive, but also understanding and, I hope, uplifting. That there is some fun.”
Despite these hopes, O’Brien is more than aware of the fine line he will have to walk and how sensitive everyone in the room will be as a result of current events. Still, he’s determined to provide a special night for everyone and to use the Oscars to celebrate the beauty that still remains in Los Angeles.
“It’s a crazy combination. It’s not the easiest assignment I’ve had, but I embrace it. It’s not about me, obviously,” O’Brien told THR. “This is a moment for all of us to step back , be humble and say, ‘This is a tremendous moment. This is a terrible thing that has happened in Los Angeles.’ I know people politicize it and scream about it, it’s just a human tragedy.”
For O’Brien, it’s still shocking for him to see the kind of devastation he’s used to witnessing on television unfold right outside his front door, as it is for many who currently live in Los Angeles. The comedian hopes the city and its people can take some time to process, but understands his responsibility to bring everyone together and help people move forward.
“As an entertainer, I have to try to figure out what’s the best way to respond to this,” O’Brien said. “So we’ll figure it out over the next five weeks and it’ll probably come together 45 minutes before the show.”
Watch O’Brien’s interview with THR below.
