Conan O’Brien, displaced by LA wildfires, pledges a sensitive Oscars show as host

Conan O’Brien addresses wildfires impacting Hollywood and how the Academy are taking it into consideration.

Conan O’Brien, host of the 97th Academy Awards, revealed that he remains displaced from his Los Angeles home due to recent wildfires. The late-night icon emphasized the importance of tailoring the Oscars to reflect the struggles of those affected by the devastation.

“Everybody I know has been affected,” O’Brien shared Friday with The Associated Press. “I’m out of my house. Fortunately, my house survived, but we won’t be back for a long time. I know so many people who lost everything.”

O’Brien stressed that the Oscars team is working to ensure the event acknowledges the hardships faced by Angelenos, adding, “We want to be sensitive to the moment and put a light on the right people in the right way.”

The wildfires, which ravaged areas like Pacific Palisades and Altadena, left thousands homeless and postponed the Academy’s nominations announcement twice. The nominations were finally unveiled Thursday, with Emilia Pérez emerging as the leading contender.

The fires have disrupted Hollywood’s awards season, sparking debates over whether the Oscars should proceed. Organizers, however, intend to transform the event into a platform of unity and gratitude.

O’Brien concluded, “We’re five weeks away, and we want to ensure the show reflects people's feelings in that moment.”

O’Brien spoke at the Sundance premiere of his film If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, co-starring Rose Byrne.