The Academy Awards a little over a month away, and host Conan O'Brien is hard at work crafting his part in the show. The late-night TV legend gave fans an idea of what they can expect on Oscars night.
O'Brien became the latest late-night TV star to get the Oscars gig, taking over for Jimmy Kimmel. While other late-night personalities, like Seth Meyers, want no part of hosting the Oscars, O'Brien is up for the challenge.
"I think it's been three years since I stopped doing my late-night show," O'Brien told Good Morning America. "And I've been saying 'yes' to things. It's been this time of yes," he added before tossing in jokes about becoming a black belt and licensed neurosurgeon.
O'Brien made a name for himself in television by having a unique voice and a singular style. So don't expect him to follow the award-show host cliche of just roasting Hollywood's biggest stars.
Asked if he'd go after the celebrity audience at the Oscars, O'Brien joked "I go after the ones that have personally been cruel to me over the years." But in a more sincere response, the comedian admitted he's much more comfortable making himself the punchline.
The interview provided more insight about what the Oscars could look like with O'Brien running things. Don't look for him to burst into any song-and-dance routine. However, he could have a pre-taped sketch or two up his sleeve.
"That's always been one of my fortes, when I would host the Emmys I would always like to have a taped piece or two under my belt where we could really craft something and make something special," he said. At the same time, O'Brien doesn't want to overdo it and alienate the people in the room.
Another challenging aspect of the gig will be how to address the Los Angeles wildfires that have devasted so many homes and businesses. O'Brien shared some of his thoughts during a special episode of Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend. Touching on a such a sensitive topic during the Academy Awards won't be an easy trick to pull off.
"LA has just been through this traumatic experience," he said. His job now is to work with his writers to figure out possibilities regarding what works and what doesn't. O'Brien anticipates that process to go right up until the air date.
Conan O'Brien hosts the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, airing on ABC.