Oscars host Conan O’Brien revealed Friday that he remains unable to return to his home due to the widespread destruction caused by the Los Angeles wildfires. Speaking at a press event, O’Brien assured reporters that the Academy Awards organizers are working to ensure the event is both sensitive and reflective of the tragedy impacting the local community.
“Everyone I know has been affected,” O’Brien said. “I’m out of my house. The fire came dangerously close, but luckily my home survived. Still, we won’t be able to return for quite some time. I’m one of the fortunate ones. Many of my friends and neighbors have lost everything. We want to make sure the show honors the moment and shines a light on the people who need it most.”
The wildfires have devastated neighborhoods across Pacific Palisades and Altadena, destroying thousands of homes. For those whose properties remain standing, hazards like smoke damage and compromised infrastructure have made returning impossible.
O’Brien, selected last year to host the 97th Academy Awards on March 2 in Los Angeles, acknowledged the complexities of moving forward with the event amid the ongoing crisis. The fires have already delayed the announcement of nominees twice, with the list finally revealed on Thursday, featuring Emilia Pérez as a standout contender.
The wildfires have also disrupted Hollywood’s awards season, sparking debates over whether the Oscars should proceed as planned. Academy officials, however, remain committed to holding the event, framing it as an opportunity to “unite the global film community and honor the heroes battling the wildfires.”
“We’re deeply focused on being sensitive to the moment and everything people are enduring,” O’Brien explained. “We’re constantly discussing how to make this show resonate. The Oscars are still five weeks away, and our goal is to create an event that reflects what people are feeling—not today, not March 3, but on March 2 itself.”
O’Brien spoke about the challenges while attending the premiere of his latest film, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, co-starring Rose Byrne. The wildfires’ impact on the awards season and the lives of so many Angelenos continues to be a pressing concern for the entertainment industry and the broader community.
