In a surprising twist from the world of entertainment, recent Oscars host Conan O’Brien shared an intriguing tale on his podcast, "Conan Needs a Friend," hosted by his Oscars head writer Mike Sweeney. O’Brien revealed that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences rejected his creative promotional ideas for the ceremony, which involved a 9-foot tall Oscar statue.
O’Brien had envisioned a series of ads where he and the Oscar statue would portray a domestic partnership. One particular concept featured him vacuuming around the statue lounging on a large couch, humorously asking it to lift its feet or help with chores like loading the dishwasher. However, the Academy firmly declined these ideas, emphasizing strict rules about the statue's depiction.
The comedian was shocked to learn that "Oscar can never be horizontal," likening the statue to a sacred relic. Additionally, the Academy insisted that the statue must always be portrayed "naked," thwarting another of O’Brien’s ideas where the Oscar would wear an apron while serving leftovers.
While these rules might seem peculiar to outsiders, they underscore the Academy's stringent control over their iconic symbol. Despite the disappointment, O’Brien's creative pitches highlight his comedic genius, leaving fans hopeful for more innovative ideas should he return to host the Oscars in the future.
The History of Comic Book Movies at the Oscars
45 Images
Although the Academy's decisions can be baffling, they hold the authority to maintain their standards. Fans of O’Brien are eager to see what he might come up with next, with many rooting for him to host the Oscars again in 2026.