Conan O\u2019Brien is back on the Oscars stage, and he\u2019s making one thing clear \u2014 the jokes will hit hard but stay smart.<\/p>\n
The longtime late-night host told reporters<\/a> that walking the Oscars\u2019 comedic tightrope is no small feat, but he has a plan.<\/p>\n \u201cHosting this show is a very thin line,\u201d O\u2019Brien said during a virtual press conference previewing the show on Wednesday.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re celebrating movies and the amazing people behind them, but it has to be funny without tipping into anger or politics.\u201d<\/p>\n MORE:Savvy moves of award-winning Aussie stars<\/a><\/p>\n That philosophy explains a major decision: Conan is avoiding Trump jokes altogether.<\/p>\n In a recent interview on The New Yorker Radio Hour, he said the President has become \u201cbad for comedy\u201d because reality now outpaces satire.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen comedians get angry instead of clever, it doesn\u2019t land,\u201d he explained, signalling a lighter, smarter approach to humour.<\/p>\n The careful curation even extends to his material for specific films.<\/p>\n O\u2019Brien revealed he scrapped a joke about a Best Picture nominee after testing it and realising it fell flat.<\/p>\n \u201cPity applause doesn\u2019t work,\u201d he quipped on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, reflecting his meticulous approach to the monologue.<\/p>\n But the ceremony isn\u2019t just a comedy exercise. O\u2019Brien also described the personal resonance of returning to the Oscars stage.<\/p>\n Watching award shows with his late father created a \u201ccosmic\u201d connection, he said, reminding him why the Oscars hold a special place in his heart.<\/p>\n Another moment O\u2019Brien highlighted is the tribute to filmmaker Rob Reiner, planned for the ceremony.<\/p>\n He called it \u201cvery powerful,\u201d signalling a mix of humour and heartfelt moments will anchor the show.<\/p>\n As he prepares to step back on stage, O\u2019Brien hopes this year\u2019s Oscars will reflect the care and precision of a seasoned late-night veteran, keeping the spotlight on the movies while making sure the laughs never miss their mark.<\/p>\n This article originally appeared on NY Post<\/a> and was reproduced with permission<\/p>\n Originally published as The truth behind why Trump\u2019s name won\u2019t be heard at Oscars<\/a><\/p>\n