Conan O'Brien Discusses Academy's Strict Oscar Rules

Conan O'Brien, during his hosting of the 97th Academy Awards, revealed the strict rules enforced by the Academy regarding the treatment of the Oscar statuette, likening it to a 'religious icon.' He shared on his podcast that proposals for skits involving the statue, such as placing it horizontally or dressing it in an apron, were rejected outright. O'Brien's attempts to inject humor into the ceremony included ideas where he would engage in domestic disputes with a giant Oscar, but the Academy's rigid guidelines left little room for creativity. He expressed surprise at the prohibition against depicting the Oscar in any horizontal position or with clothing, highlighting the organization's protective stance over the award's image. Despite these restrictions, O'Brien managed to deliver a performance that was well-received, focusing on self-deprecation and lighthearted humor, rather than political commentary. The show's head writer, Mike Sweeney, also emphasized the Academy's tight control over the content to maintain its prestigious reputation.