In a recent episode of his SiriusXM podcast, Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, first-time Oscars host Conan O’Brien shared intriguing insights into the preparation and execution of the March 2 telecast. Accompanied by his long-time collaborator Mike Sweeney, O’Brien discussed cut sketches, surprising Academy notes, and memorable backstage encounters. Despite personal tragedies and logistical challenges, O’Brien expressed immense satisfaction with how the event unfolded. The podcast episode highlighted the complexities of hosting such a prestigious event while offering listeners a glimpse into the creativity and collaboration that went into crafting the show.
O’Brien's journey to becoming the Oscars host began unexpectedly in late November, shortly after returning from filming an episode of his travel series in Spain. The timing was far from ideal, as O’Brien recalled being caught off guard by the offer. “It was not on our radar,” he admitted, noting the randomness of the opportunity. Once committed, however, O’Brien faced further complications when personal losses struck during preparations. Tragedy struck three times—first with the passing of his father, followed closely by his mother’s death, and then the Los Angeles wildfires forcing him to evacuate his home. Despite these hardships, O’Brien remained dedicated to delivering a high-quality performance.
The planning process involved numerous creative ideas, some of which never made it to air. Initially, there were plans for an elaborate sketch where O’Brien would parody various films while painted green, reminiscent of characters from Wicked. This ambitious segment ultimately got replaced due to time constraints and complexity. Instead, viewers saw a shortened version inspired by The Substance, featuring O’Brien emerging dramatically from a woman’s back. Another fascinating note came from the Academy itself, whose strict guidelines prohibited treating the Oscar statuette humorously—for instance, placing it horizontally or dressing it up in clothes.
A standout moment occurred backstage when O’Brien met rock legend Mick Jagger moments before the latter presented the Best Original Song award. Their brief interaction revealed Jagger’s continued concern about crowd engagement despite decades of experience. Meanwhile, another quirky element added charm to the broadcast: Dune’s sandworm appeared musically talented, playing both piano and harp. Originally intended for a larger role, including presenting awards, the character evolved into a playful callback throughout the ceremony.
One joke particularly resonated with audiences—a quip referencing the Drake versus Kendrick Lamar feud. Although widely attributed to O’Brien, credit actually belongs to writer Skyler Higley. Such viral moments underscored the collaborative nature of writing for live television events like the Oscars. Additionally, testing material at local comedy clubs proved challenging amidst overlapping award seasons. Other hosts’ performances sometimes influenced what could stay or go, ensuring uniqueness across all broadcasts.
Beyond professional anecdotes, O’Brien fondly remembered aspects of the experience he’ll miss most. Chief among them was the exceptional lighting used during rehearsals and the actual show. So impressive was its quality that online speculation arose regarding possible cosmetic enhancements. In reality, it simply showcased the power of good production design. Through laughter and reflection, O’Brien provided fans a unique perspective into one of Hollywood’s grandest nights, proving once again why he remains beloved in entertainment circles worldwide.