The beloved comedian opens up about the stringent guidelines he faced as the 2025 Oscars host, humorously highlighting the Academy's reverence for their iconic statuette.
- Mar 15, 2025
AceShowbiz - Hosting the Oscars is no easy feat, and Conan O'Brien, who helmed the 97th Academy Awards earlier this month, has plenty to say about the challenges involved. On the March 13 episode of his podcast, "Conan Needs a Friend," her shared some behind-the-scenes insights about his experience, shedding light on the Academy's strict rules concerning the Oscar statuette.
"At one point, I thought, 'Wouldn't it be great if it's just on the couch?' " Conan recalled pitching his idea. "Let's lay it on a really big couch and I'll be vacuuming and say, 'Could you at least lift your feet? Or could you at least get up and help? Load the dishwasher?' "
However, his proposal was swiftly denied. According to the Academy, "Oscar can never be horizontal." The comedian was taken aback, likening the statuette to a sacred artifact. "Like, wow, this is like the thigh bone of St. Peter. This is a religious icon."
O'Brien's inventive humor didn't stop there. Another rejected skit involved depicting the Oscar as a housewife in an apron, serving leftovers to the host. These stringent rejections showcase just how seriously the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences takes the preservation of the Oscar's dignified image.
Despite these constraints, O'Brien managed to inject his signature humor into the evening, notably targeting nominee Timothee Chalamet in his opening monologue.
"Timmy Chalamet is up for Best Actor tonight, you're amazing and you look amazing. I love that suit. You will not get hit on your bike tonight," he quipped, referring to Chalamet's bright-yellow suit that night and his previous escapade involving a rideshare bike.
In addition to Chalamet, Adam Sandler made a surprise appearance, adding to the night's entertainment. He also poked fun at the scandal surrounding "Emilia Perez" star Karla Sofia Gascon.
O'Brien shared that the preparation for the event was extensive, involving months of planning. "There's the agony of before - preparation, getting ready - and that goes on for months," he revealed. Yet, last-minute changes were commonplace. "There are times where you think, 'We've got a good joke here, but I'm not gonna do it. It doesn't feel right.' "
Ultimately, O'Brien's efforts paid off, as he delivered a well-received performance at the Oscars. "And it was a really great crowd. They were laughs, thank God," he remarked, reflecting on the night's success.
