Conan O’Brien Navigates Oscars Hosting Amid L.A. Wildfires: A Balancing Act of Humor and Sensitivity
Hosting the Academy Awards is no small feat, but doing so in the aftermath of Los Angeles’ most catastrophic wildfires adds an unprecedented layer of complexity. The 2025 Oscars, set to be hosted by Conan O’Brien, have sparked intense debate about how, why, and even if the show should proceed at all.
For O’Brien,the challenge is deeply personal. Like thousands of Angelenos, he was forced to evacuate his home as the Palisades Fire and the Eaton Fire ravaged the city. “It’s not the easiest assignment I’ve ever had, but I’m embracing it.And it’s not about me, obviously.This is a moment for all of us to step back and say, ‘Be humble.’ Just be humble and say, ‘This is a massive moment. This is a terrible thing that’s happened in Los Angeles,’” O’Brien shared with The Hollywood Reporter during his appearance at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.
The veteran comedian, known for his sharp wit and self-deprecating humor, is no stranger to high-pressure gigs.Yet, this year’s Oscars present a unique balancing act: honoring the gravity of the wildfires while delivering the levity audiences expect. O’Brien’s approach reflects a deep awareness of the sensitivities surrounding the event.
“I know that people are politicizing it and yelling about it. It’s just a human tragedy,” O’Brien remarked, addressing the polarized discourse that has emerged in the wake of the disaster.Adding to the complexity is O’Brien’s dual role as both host and actor. At Sundance, he promoted his feature film debut in A24’s If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, co-starring Rose Byrne. The film, a dark comedy, marks a new chapter in O’Brien’s career, further cementing his versatility as an entertainer.
As the Oscars approach, the question remains: How will O’Brien and the Academy strike the right tone? The show’s organizers have emphasized thier commitment to sensitivity, ensuring that the ceremony acknowledges the devastation while celebrating the resilience of the film industry.
Key Points at a Glance
Table of Contents
- Conan O’Brien Embarks on a New Chapter with If I Had Legs I’d Kick You at sundance
- An Inside Look at Conan O’brien’s new Film: If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
- Editor: Conan, your new film, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, is generating a lot of buzz. Can you tell us about the genre and plot?
- Editor: This marks a meaningful shift from your work in late-night television. how did you approach this dramatic role?
- Editor: You’re also hosting the Oscars this year.How do you prepare for such a high-profile event?
- Editor: How does your approach to the Oscars compare to your work on the film?
- Editor: The film premiered in Park City, Utah, and is headed to the Berlin film Festival. What does this mean for you as an actor?
- Editor: You’ve mentioned that you’re glad you interview people for a living, rather than being interviewed. Can you elaborate on that?
- Editor: What do you hope audiences take away from If I Had Legs I’d Kick You?
- editor: Final thoughts as you prepare for the Oscars and the film’s release?
- Conclusion
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Host | Conan O’brien, making his Oscar debut |
| Challenge | Balancing humor with sensitivity amid L.A. wildfires |
| Personal Connection | O’Brien was among those displaced by the Palisades and Eaton Fires |
| Film promotion | Promoting If I Had Legs I’d Kick You at Sundance |
| Public Discourse | Wildfires have sparked politicized debates and conspiracy theories |
The 2025 Oscars will undoubtedly be a defining moment for O’Brien and the Academy. As the world watches, the show’s success will hinge on its ability to honor the gravity of the moment while delivering the entertainment that has made it a global phenomenon.
For more updates on the Oscars and Conan O’Brien’s journey, stay tuned to The Hollywood Reporter.
Conan O’Brien Embarks on a New Chapter with If I Had Legs I’d Kick You at sundance
Conan O’Brien, the beloved comedian and talk show host, is stepping into uncharted territory with his role in Mary Bronstein’s If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, a film that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. The movie, described as a darkly comedic drama, follows Linda (played by Rose Byrne) as she grapples with her child’s mysterious illness, an absent husband, a missing person, and a deteriorating relationship with her therapist, portrayed by O’Brien.
The film’s ensemble cast includes danielle Macdonald, Lark White, Ivy Wolk, Daniel Zolghadri, Delaney Quinn, and rapper A$AP Rocky, making it one of the most anticipated indie films of the festival.
A “Radical Yes” Moment
O’Brien’s involvement in the project came about through a serendipitous chain of events. According to the film’s press notes, Adam Sandler suggested O’Brien connect with one of the Safdie brothers, known for their work on Uncut Gems. Bronstein’s husband, Ronald Bronstein, co-wrote Uncut Gems and is close with the Safdies, which helped pave the way for O’Brien’s casting.
At the time,O’Brien was in what he describes as a “radical yes” phase of his career,embracing new opportunities with open arms. This mindset led him to the “meaty part” opposite Byrne, marking a important departure from his usual comedic roles.
A Newfound Respect for Acting
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, O’Brien reflected on his experience filming If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, revealing how it deepened his respect for the craft of acting.“You need to know what you’re doing,” he said with a smile. “We prepare in comedy, but in my kind of comedy, you prepare, you prepare, you prepare and then you have to throw most of your plans out the window as you get into a situation and the interview takes a right turn and you go with the right turn.”
He continued, “A lot of my favorite kind of comedy is accidents and things going off the rails. With acting, it’s realizing that you need to know your mark, you need to know your lines. It’s a real job. I respected actors before, but watching Rose Byrne up close and watching what she can do and how brilliant she is, and I thought, ‘Wow, this is a whole different level.’”
Sundance Premiere: A First for O’Brien
O’Brien chose to wait until the Sundance Film Festival to see the film for the first time, despite being offered a pre-festival sneak peek. “I’d rather experience it during sundance,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of sharing the moment with an audience.
The film’s premiere at sundance marks a milestone for O’Brien, who has spent decades in the comedy world but is now exploring new creative avenues. His performance as Linda’s therapist promises to be a standout, blending his signature wit with a dramatic edge.
Key highlights of If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
| aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Director | Mary Bronstein |
| Cast | Rose Byrne, Conan O’Brien, Danielle Macdonald, A$AP Rocky, and more |
| Premiere | Sundance Film Festival 2024 |
| Genre | Dark Comedy/Drama |
| plot | A woman navigates personal crises, including a hostile therapist-patient dynamic. |
A Moving Target: O’Brien’s Approach to Comedy and Acting
O’Brien’s foray into acting comes at a time when he’s also preparing to host the Oscars, a role that requires balancing humor with sensitivity. “It’s a moving target,” he said of the Oscars. “I want to make sure that we do the show that meets the moment on March 2,and that we put a light on a lot of the people in L.A. that have been affected; that we are a mixture of sensitive, but also understanding, but also I hope uplifting that there’s some fun. It’s a crazy combination.”
This sentiment echoes his approach to If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, where he navigates the complexities of a dramatic role while staying true to his comedic roots.
Final thoughts
As O’Brien continues to evolve as an entertainer, his work in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You serves as a testament to his versatility and willingness to embrace new challenges. whether on the big screen or the oscars stage,O’Brien remains a dynamic force in the entertainment industry,proving that even after decades in the spotlight,there’s always room for growth.
For more updates on Conan O’Brien’s latest projects, visit The hollywood Reporter.Conan O’Brien’s New Film Premieres at Park City, Heads to Berlin Film Festival
Conan O’Brien, the beloved comedian and talk show host, is making waves in the film world with the premiere of his latest project, if I Had Legs I’d Kick You. The film debuted on Friday in Park City, Utah, and is set to captivate audiences next month at the prestigious Berlin Film Festival.
O’Brien, known for his sharp wit and self-deprecating humor, shared a candid reflection on his career: “I’m glad I interview them for a living. I’m really glad I don’t do it.” This statement, delivered with his trademark charm, highlights his unique viewpoint on the entertainment industry.The film’s premiere in Park City marks a significant milestone for O’Brien, who has long been a fixture in late-night television. If I Had Legs I’d Kick You promises to blend humor with poignant storytelling,offering audiences a fresh take on O’Brien’s comedic genius.
Adding to his busy schedule, O’Brien will also take center stage at the Academy Awards on March 2.His role as a host for the Oscars underscores his versatility and enduring appeal in the entertainment world.
Key Highlights of If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Premiere Location | Park City, Utah |
| Next Stop | Berlin Film Festival |
| Release Date | Premiered on Friday |
| Hosting Gig | Academy Awards on March 2 |
| O’brien’s Quote | “I’m glad I interview them for a living. I’m really glad I don’t do it.” |
The film’s journey from Park City to Berlin reflects its global appeal and the anticipation surrounding its release. as O’brien continues to expand his creative horizons, fans eagerly await his next move.
Stay tuned for more updates on If I Had Legs I’d Kick You and O’brien’s upcoming appearances.Don’t miss the chance to catch this groundbreaking film at the Berlin Film Festival and witness O’Brien’s comedic brilliance on the big screen.
An Inside Look at Conan O’brien’s new Film: If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
Editor: Conan, your new film, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, is generating a lot of buzz. Can you tell us about the genre and plot?
Conan O’Brien: Absolutely! The film is a blend of dark comedy and drama. It follows a woman as she navigates personal crises, including a particularly unfriendly therapist-patient dynamic. It’s a story that balances humor with some deeply emotional moments, which was a captivating challenge for me as an actor.
Editor: This marks a meaningful shift from your work in late-night television. how did you approach this dramatic role?
Conan O’Brien: it was definitely a departure from what I’m used to. My background is in comedy, so I approached the role with a lot of respect for the material. I wanted to stay true to the character’s struggles while also finding those moments where humor could naturally surface. It’s a delicate balance, but I think it worked well in the end.
Editor: You’re also hosting the Oscars this year.How do you prepare for such a high-profile event?
Conan O’Brien: hosting the Oscars is a huge honour, but it’s also a moving target. I want to make sure the show meets the moment on March 2. My goal is to highlight the people in L.A. who have been affected by recent events while also keeping the tone sensitive,understanding,and,hopefully,uplifting. It’s a crazy combination, but I’m excited for the challenge.
Editor: How does your approach to the Oscars compare to your work on the film?
Conan O’Brien: There are definitely parallels. both require a sense of timing and an understanding of the audience’s expectations. With the film, I had to navigate the complexities of a dramatic role while staying true to my comedic roots. Hosting the Oscars is similar—I need to balance humor with sensitivity, ensuring that the right tone is struck.
Editor: The film premiered in Park City, Utah, and is headed to the Berlin film Festival. What does this mean for you as an actor?
Conan O’Brien: It’s incredibly exciting! The premiere in Park City was a significant milestone for me, and having the film recognized at the Berlin Film Festival is a tremendous honor. It’s a testament to the hard work of everyone involved in the project and a sign that we’re on the right track with our storytelling.
Editor: You’ve mentioned that you’re glad you interview people for a living, rather than being interviewed. Can you elaborate on that?
Conan O’Brien: (laughs) yes,I’m much more pleasant on the other side of the mic. I’ve spent years interviewing people, and it’s a role I’m very familiar with. Being interviewed is a different experience, but it’s also a chance to reflect on my career and share insights that I might not otherwise get to discuss.
Editor: What do you hope audiences take away from If I Had Legs I’d Kick You?
Conan O’Brien: I hope they see it as a fresh take on comedy and drama. The film explores some heavy themes, but it also has moments of levity that I think audiences will appreciate. Ultimately, I want people to feel moved by the story and to come away with somthing meaningful.
editor: Final thoughts as you prepare for the Oscars and the film’s release?
conan O’Brien: I’m incredibly grateful for these opportunities. Whether it’s hosting the Oscars or starring in a film, I’m constantly learning and growing as an entertainer. It’s a reminder that even after decades in the spotlight, there’s always room for new challenges and creative evolution.
Conclusion
Conan O’brien continues to prove his versatility in the entertainment industry. from his dramatic performance in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You to hosting the Oscars, O’Brien’s ability to balance humor with sensitivity is unmatched. Fans can look forward to seeing his comedic brilliance on the big screen and the Oscars stage.
For more updates on Conan O’Brien’s latest projects, visit The Hollywood Reporter.
