The 97th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 2, 2025, are facing significant adjustments due to the catastrophic wildfires in Los Angeles. Since 1929, The Oscars, or Academy Awards, are a yearly awards ceremony that recognizes excellence in film production. This year, the ceremony will be hosted by television host and comedian Conan O’Brien. While the Oscars typically bring a spectacle of glitz and glamour, this year’s ceremony will be influenced by the current state and challenges many are facing throughout the city.

While attending the If I Had Legs, I’d Kick You premiere carpet event at the Sundance Film Festival, where ScreenRant was in attendance, O’Brien discussed how the writers for the 2025 Oscars are approaching the inclusion of the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires. O’Brien emphasized the importance of gauging the mood of not only the live audience but also the larger viewing audience, extending across Los Angeles, the U.S., and globally. O’Brien also expressed his personal connection to the fires, as he resides in Los Angeles and knows many who have lost their homes, including some of his neighbors. Check out his comments below:

It’s hard to make sure, as I say, that it’s the right show for that night, for March 2, because this is an ever-evolving situation that we’re in. I left LA yesterday, there’s still fires. So the tone, what I’m saying to my writers is, “Let’s not decide now what’s going to be on the show. Let’s think of lots of different ideas, lots of different approaches. And as we get closer to the night, I can read a room, and I can” — when I say read a room, it can’t be just that room. It needs to be the larger room.

People watching in the United States, first of all, Los Angeles, then the United States, and it’s global. So, what is the room? Read that room, that larger room, and try to respect the moment, and try to do my job, which is to meet the moment, be appropriate, and then, I hope, elevate in some way, and maybe bring some some happiness.

So, that’s the ᴀssignment. It’s not the easiest one I’ve ever had. I may leave the country soon afterwards, but we’re all taking this ᴀssignment very, very seriously. And I, as you know, live in Los Angeles, so many of my friends are comedy writers, half of The Simpsons writers lost their homes. I know so many friends who have lost their homes. I have neighbors that lost their homes that live very close to me.

I’m not living in my house right now, and I’m lucky. I’m fantastically lucky, because the fire got very close, but did not take our house, and it’ll be a while before they can [let us in], but it’s still there. So I’m fantastically lucky, and I have nothing to complain about, but I’m getting used to H๏τel living, which is a little weird. But I came here to Sundance, and these are the clothes my wife grabbed for me, because I was in Larchmont when the fires broke out. So, she grabbed some clothes, and fortunately, some of it was Sundance worthy. [Laughs] She did a good job.

What This Means For The 2025 Oscars

The Academy Will Be Considerate Of The Disaster During the Ceremony

Since January 7, 2025, multiple fires have burned across Southern California, including areas such as the Palisades, Altadena, and Casatic Lake. These fires have led to the destruction of over 10,000 homes and displaced over 100,000 people. In addition to the direct damage, the fires have caused air quality issues, leading to health advisories and temporary closures of schools and businesses. Several notable figures in the entertainment industry, including Jeff Bridges, Milo Ventimiglia, Paris Hilton, Billy Crystal, and Anna Faris, among many others, have lost their homes. Firefighters have been working tirelessly to control the flames, but the situation remains difficult.

With the wildfire situation still unfolding, and citizens mourning the aftermath, the 97th Oscars team are refraining from finalizing segments too early. Instead, they are opting to remain flexible and prepared to adapt as needed. In addition to being mindful of the fires, O’Brien also touched on his own experience with the fires. His home was spared, but he noted the emotional toll of being displaced and witnessing friends and neighbors lose their homes throughout Los Angeles.

The Academy’s decision to proceed with flexibility and empathy is a reflection of the current atmosphere in Los Angeles, where many are still grappling with the aftermath of the wildfires. As O’Brien pointed out, his personal connection to the city makes it even more important to “respect the moment” and create space for honoring those affected. The changes to the show’s structure, such as reworking segments and adjusting performances, are all aimed at staying in tune with the wildfire situation.

Our Take On The 2025 Oscars Host Adjusting To LA Wildfires

Conan O’Brien Is Taking A Thoughtful Approach To The 97th Oscars

Conan O’Brien’s decision to adapt the tone of the Oscars ceremony to the discernment of the wildfires is a necessary approach. With many affected by the fires, it’s commendable that the 2025 Oscars will center on empathy and sensitivity to the situation. O’Brien’s commitment to creating an appropriate atmosphere for both attendees and viewers shows a level of responsibility in his hosting role. In light of the circumstances, it seems the Oscars could serve as a unifying moment that acknowledges the Los Angeles community’s resilience while still celebrating achievements in film.