Conan O’Brien a well known comedian and talk show host is set to host the 97th Annual Academy Awards . With an interesting blend of personal challenges and public preparation for his duties here is an inside look of his approach to these new responsibilities.
- Conan O’Brien is hosting the 97th Academy Awards amid personal and community struggles.
- He experienced a personal loss with the death of his parents, also a devastation with the LA wildfires.
- O’Brien approaches this show with humility focusing on human connection while being sensitive to current events.
- The show will balance seriousness with the tradition of bringing joy through creative elements of humor.
- His style uses flexibility and honesty with writers to deliver unique approach to the big day.
Preparing to Host Amidst Personal Strife
Conan O’Brien is preparing for the 97th Annual Academy Awards under complicated conditions as this moment in his life also came with his loss of both his parents three days apart in December. The events happened in his private life shortly after he was announced as host for the 2025 ceremony.
The Impact of Personal Loss
He shared a deeply personal sentiment expressing his experience has been overwhelming. With taking it one day at a time along with listening to the issues of those in the world which he now states is his focus as his personal grief continues and takes a moment to consider all people before his own experiences.
The Los Angeles Wildfires

Concurrent with the start of his planning the devastating Los Angeles wildfires came into place creating much turmoil within his own community as well. With the fires directly impacting him and the surrounding area he noted a great importance of showing all those effected that he is standing with them.
Community Focus and Adaptation
He has stated he wants to be sensitive to all those effected along with being present during all preparations and events. He explains his strategy as something that has all "sensors out” by doing a lot of listening, and absorbing and being able to adjust his approach to comedy while creating a proper response to the devastation.
Adapting to Changing Circumstances

With all new challenges he knows planning for the show also includes having adaptability as a high priority. By addressing that as it gets closer more ideas will be set in motion to understand his surroundings and his response during those moments.
The Importance of Improv and Observation
He mentions that his style is about letting his thoughts move organically, he also mentioned he and his team will make sure to make appropriate adjustments to create a show that fits the need of the moment. That he understands the tone will be something very important and plans on being respectful but bringing humor at the right time.
Combining Sensitive Themes With Entertainment

Conon mentions his role as host is one he wants to embrace through humilty and being a public figure during difficult times. His goal is to bring an experience for everyone by blending joy and humor while respecting all circumstances. He plans to give a light on all of those impacted during the difficult times that took place.
Highlighting Community Resilience
O'brien has stated a great need to be respectful and to shine a light on people in L.A. that have been most affected during this difficult period. He will still be presenting an Oscars ceremony with a focus on honoring both creativity, while bringing back the need to see the human element through what happens.
Film Debut and The Art of Acting
At the Sundance Film Festival Conan promoted a new film he was in entitled, “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You.” It was also a completely new perspective for the comedian as it was an actual dramatic role.
Learning Curve and Appreciation for Craft
He realized how hard the craft is by finally taking the role and doing something outside of what he usually does. Before his experience on set with Rose Byrne his love and admiration was for the finished product he got to see on the screen from interviewing actors now he appreciates the process it takes for those in the film industry to produce such art. This gives a nod to his dedication of quality from all aspects of movie making.
Oscars Approach
Conan is using a fluid approach to hosting making no exact commitments with planning the full program. Using various techniques and thoughts his team is focusing on seeing what best will work for March 2. All details have not been set in stone but with his guidance the show will surely move along successfully for all.
Understanding the Mood
His focus is creating a good show that accurately captures and reflects the current state of what the world around him is going through at the moment as the need to bring humor to a heavy situation may require a unique delivery method that he is willing to find. That he will strive to connect to those not only in the immediate theater but the millions who are at home that also could have been affected as well.
Key Takeaways
- Conan O’Brien is hosting the 2025 Oscars during challenging circumstances by leading with awareness for those suffering through the wildfires and the loss of both of his parents.
- The show is a platform to reflect both human struggle as well as the beauty of life which will combine respect and joy.
- His preparations showcase him as adaptable using observations and empathy while acknowledging difficult elements for both himself and the viewers.
- Conan values using humor as a tool to elevate in his career and is using this strategy by providing a balanced performance while being sensitive to the emotions of others around him.
- His own experiences combined with a high sense of humility make him more prepared for the task at hand knowing many viewers have a need to understand what has happened and have support.