The 97th Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O'Brien, brought a fresh and delightful twist to the red carpet tradition. Before the ceremony even began, attendees at the Dolby Theatre were treated to an unexpected surprise: personalized snack boxes placed under each seat. Each box contained a heartfelt note from O'Brien, expressing his hope that the guests would enjoy the complimentary treats. He humorously mentioned his attempt to include gummy candies but was met with a firm "no" from Disney. The note was accompanied by a charming sketch of O'Brien giving the peace sign, setting a lighthearted tone for the evening.

Inside the snack boxes, guests found Swedish fish, pretzels, and water—simple yet thoughtful offerings that added a touch of whimsy to the glamorous event. In addition to these snacks, audience members were also given bottles of Don Julio tequila for a celebratory toast later in the evening. This gesture not only delighted the attendees but also highlighted O'Brien's ability to blend humor with hospitality. During his opening monologue, O'Brien cleverly addressed various films and controversies, including the record-breaking nominations for Emilia Pérez, which led with an impressive 13 nods for a non-English-language film. His witty remarks about other nominated works like Wicked, A Complete Unknown, and The Brutalist kept the audience entertained and engaged.

O'Brien's hosting style injected a sense of warmth and playfulness into the prestigious event. By focusing on small, meaningful gestures such as the snack boxes, he created a memorable experience for everyone involved. The Oscars are not just about celebrating cinematic achievements; they are also about bringing people together in a spirit of joy and camaraderie. Through his humor and thoughtfulness, O'Brien reminded us that sometimes, the little things can make all the difference in creating lasting memories.