Comedian Conan O’Brien is pulling back the curtain on the strict rules surrounding the Academy Awards and the surprising jokes that didn’t make the cut.
On the Wednesday, March 13, episode of his podcast Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, the 61-year-old funnyman revealed that there were firm guidelines when it came to how the Oscar statuette could be portrayed.
At one point, I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if it’s just on the couch?’. Let’s lay it on a really big couch and I’ll be vacuuming and say, ‘Could you at least lift your feet? Or could you at least get up and help? Load the dishwasher?’
O’Brien, who hosted the prestigious awards show earlier this month, recalledAdvertisement
However, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences quickly shut that idea down.
One of the people from the Academy came forward and said, ‘Oscar can never be horizontal,’. That blew my mind. Like, wow, this is like the thigh bone of St. Peter. This is a religious icon.
O’Brien revealed
Another rejected bit? A skit where the trophy would be dressed in an apron, playing the role of a housewife serving the host leftovers. That concept was also vetoed by officials.
Last-Minute Changes
O’Brien also opened up about how many of his jokes were cut at the last minute including some that were scrapped just before stepping on stage.
There are times where you think, ‘We’ve got a good joke here, but I’m not gonna do it. It doesn’t feel right.’ We made a lot of changes backstage. You just decide, ‘Oh, this is a better joke,’ or you think of something in the moment, and you just go with it, and those can be blessings.
he told E! News on March 2
A Night Full of Laughs
Despite the behind-the-scenes edits, O’Brien’s Oscars monologue delivered plenty of standout moments. He repeatedly poked fun at Dune star Timothée Chalamet and even welcomed Adam Sandler for a surprise cameo.
Timmy Chalamet is up for Best Actor tonight, you’re amazing and you look amazing. I love that suit. You will not get hit on your bike tonight.
O’Brien quipped, referencing the actor’s recent fine for riding a rental bike to the London premiere of A Complete Unknown
Suggested: Timothée Chalamet Got $79 Fine After Riding Bike To ‘A Complete Unknown’ London Premiere
Safe! Amazing actor. Timothée is nominated for his portrayal of Bob Dylan, yeah. Bob Dylan wanted to be here tonight, but not that badly.
He continued
Reflecting on the night, O’Brien admitted that while the lead-up to the show was stressful, the energy in the room made it all worthwhile.
There’s the agony of before—preparation, getting ready—and that goes on for months. Then we worked so hard that by the time we got to the point where it was time to go, I couldn’t wait. And it was a really great crowd. They were laughs, thank God.
he shared.
With a mix of razor-sharp wit and a few behind-the-scenes secrets, O’Brien proved that even the Oscars has its comedic limits.
Source: US Weekly