Oscars aims to be politics-free with ‘apolitical’ host Conan O’Brien – Washington Examiner
The upcoming Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, aim to be a politically neutral event, marking a departure from previous ceremonies that frequently enough featured political commentary, particularly against Donald Trump during his first term. Despite the likelihood of some political discussions in acceptance speeches, Academy CEO Bill Kramer has encouraged a focus on artistic achievements rather than partisan issues. The shift is reflective of a broader trend in the entertainment industry, with award shows experiencing fluctuating ratings, partly due to their political content. This year, the Oscars will also include themes related to significant historical events and personal stories, while previous award shows, including the Grammys and SAG Awards, have emphasized unity and support for local causes, such as wildfire relief efforts.
Oscars aims to be politics-free with ‘apolitical’ host Conan O’Brien
Despite Hollywood’s obsession with attacking President Donald Trump during award shows in his first term, this year’s Academy Awards show is aiming to be politics-free, according to a report.
“Sunday’s Academy Awards, arriving five weeks after the start of Trump’s second term, are poised to be less political,” CNN correspondent Elizabeth Wagmeister wrote on Thursday. “Make no mistake, the president likely has few fans in the room of A-listers who will gather in the Dolby Theater. But talk of Trump has waned at recent entertainment events.”
Wagmeister noted that award season has been far less political in Hollywood commentary about the Republican president.
“With the backdrop of devastating fires that ravaged Los Angeles, award season this year has been centered around coming together. The Grammys set the tone as the first show to air after the wildfires, the SAG Awards followed with a focus on first responders and the Oscars are also set to raise funds towards fire relief efforts,” she analyzed.
This Sunday’s host will be former late-night host Conan O’Brien, whom the Academy CEO calls “apolitical,” a stark contrast from the partisan previous host, Jimmy Kimmel
“He’s a lovely person, number one. He’s a humanist. He’s apolitical,” the academy’s CEO, Bill Kramer, told CNN’s Wagmeister about his goal to “absolutely” have a politics-free telecast.
Acceptance speeches by Oscar winners will likely have some political commentary, but Kramer said he has encouraged stars to keep focused “on the work.”
This year’s award show will have several politically themed movies that include examining the Holocaust (A Real Pain), Jewish immigration following World War II (The Brutalist), transgender procedures (Emilia Perez), and a depiction of the president’s life (The Apprentice).
Recently during the SAG Awards, Jane Fonda used her Lifetime Achievement Award speech to denounce attacks on wokeism, and SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher championed fighting global warming.
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Award shows have been fluctuating in ratings over the years after dividing audiences over politics.
The Grammy Awards saw an audience drop this month by a 9% decrease in viewership over 2024.
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