Oscars host Conan O’Brien is well aware of the impact the recent wildfires have had on Los Angeles.
Prior to his appearance at the 97th Academy Awards in March, the comedian and former host of a late night show spoke candidly to Chris Connelly from ABC News today. He emphasized that he is considering the “traumatic experience” that the city has faced as he prepares for this year’s awards ceremony.
He remarked, “There is a misconception at times that only wealthy individuals lost their homes…,” highlighting that even his assistant’s residence was destroyed in the wildfires. He stressed that the impact was felt by everyone, regardless of their financial status.
While preparing his material for the significant event, he also acknowledged that “there are many national occurrences that are causing great tension among people, and the situation evolves daily.”
“And so my job right now with my writers is to create possibilities,” he added. “That’s what we’re doing. We’re working hard to create possibilities. And then I don’t know, I think we’re going to have to get very close to the actual air date to figure out.”
O’Brien also addressed the task while speaking with The Hollywood Reporter at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
“It’s not the easiest assignment I’ve ever had but I’m embracing it. And it’s not about me, obviously,” he said earlier this month. “This is a moment for all of us to step back and say, ‘Be humble.’ Just be humble and say, ‘This is a massive moment. This is a terrible thing that’s happened in Los Angeles.”
On Jan. 9, Hacks star Jean Smart issued a statement on Instagram asking television networks to consider not airing awards shows in the midst of the wildfires, and instead donate to firefighters and fire victims.
Meanwhile, Meghan Markle delayed the release of her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, citing her “focus on the needs of those impacted by the wildfires in [her] home state of California” in a statement. Among the stars who have lost their homes are James Woods, Milo Ventimiglia and Mandy Moore.
O’Brien is succeeding Jimmy Kimmel as host of the Oscars, who marked his fourth year in the coveted gig in 2024. Puck News reported in July 2024 that Kimmel and John Mulaney had turned down the job. As for O’Brien, who was announced as host in November 2024, he told Connelly that in the time since Conan ended, he’s “been saying yes to things.”
“It’s been this time of yes,” he continued. “So I did an independent film at Sundance. I headlined at the Newport Folk Festival. I’m just saying yes to things that I wouldn’t have done before. I’m a black belt in karate now. I’m a licensed neurosurgeon. I mean, there are all these things I’m doing now that I didn’t think I would ever do before.”
The 2025 Oscars air March 2 at 7/6c on ABC and Hulu. Check out the full list of this year’s nominees.
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