Oscars Host Conan O’Brien Gives Moving Remarks On Why the Show Must Go On Even in Face of Wildfires and Hardship

During the opening monologue of the 97th Annual Academy Awards ceremony on ABC Sunday, host Conan O’Brien took a serious tone for a moment as he talked about why Hollywood would still gather for such an event even in the wake of the devastating Los Angeles wildfires and other hardships in the world.

O’Brien’s opening remarks to the Oscars were lighthearted and free of politics, with several truly funny bits, including wild and hilarious cameos from both Adam Sandler and John Lithgow.

But he did change the tone at one point to talk about the mere fact of having the ceremony after the horrific wildfires that devastated so much of Los Angeles and affected so many in the business and community of film and showbusiness.

“In moments such as this, any awards show can seem self-indulgent and superfluous,” he said. He then reminded the audience and the viewers it isn’t just about big name actors, but to honor and “shine a light” on “an incredible community of people you will never see. Craftspeople. Artisans. Technicians. Costumers. I can’t name them all. There are too many. Hardworking men and women behind the camera who have devoted their lives to making film.”

“For almost a century, we have paused every spring to elevate and celebrate an art form that has the power at its very best to unite us.,” he said. “So yes, even in the face of terrible wildfires and divisive politics, the work which – is what this is about – the work continues.”

O’Brien closed by saying that “this seemingly absurd ritual” of the Oscars will continue on, and that “the magic, the madness, the grandeur, and the joy of film worldwide is going to be with us forever.”

If I could change the tone for just one second. I’m going to do this right now. The people of Los Angeles have clearly been through a devastating ordeal, and this needs to be addressed and should be addressed. In moments such as this, any awards show can seem self-indulgent and superfluous.

But what I want to do is have us all remember why we gather here tonight. Okay? Yes, we will honor many beautiful and talented A-list stars. But the Oscars also shines a light on an incredible community of people you will never see. Craftspeople. Artisans. Technicians. Costumers.

That’s right. I can’t name them all. There are too many. Hardworking men and women behind the camera who have devoted their lives to making film. Now, yes, many people we celebrate tonight are not famous. They’re not wealthy, but they are devoted to a craft that can, in moments, bring us all a little closer together.

Now, for almost a century, we have paused every spring to elevate and celebrate an art form that has the power at its very best to unite us. So yes, even in the face of terrible wildfires and divisive politics, the work which is what this is about, the work continues.

And next year and for years to come through trauma and joy, this seemingly absurd ritual is going to be here. I will not. I’m leaving Hollywood to run a bed and breakfast in Orlando. But. And I’d like to see you there. But then the magic, the madness, the grandeur and the joy of film worldwide is going to be with us forever.

So without further delay, let’s get things started.

Watch the clip above via The 97th Academy Awards | Oscars 2025 on ABC.