The 97th Academy Awards, held at the Dolby Theater on March 2, 2025, provided light-hearted humor amid the celebration of cinematic achievements, thanks largely to host Conan O'Brien. The event was particularly memorable for its unexpected moments, especially involving the local firefighters who were honored for their bravery during the devastating Palisades and Eaton wildfires.
During the ceremony, O'Brien took the opportunity to acknowledge these heroes, inviting them to the stage for their own moments of comedic relief. "Now, I know you're going to find this hard to believe, but there are some jokes even I'm not brave enough to tell," O'Brien remarked, setting the stage for the firefighters to deliver their own quips.
First to step up was Erik Scott, head of the Los Angeles Fire Department. With impeccable timing, he quipped, "Our hearts go out to those who have lost their homes. And I'm talking about the producers of 'Joker 2'." This joke not only drew laughter from the audience but also highlighted the film's disastrous performance at the box office, where it grossed only $206 million worldwide against an estimated production budget of $200 million. Scott’s jab at the box office failure of 'Joker: Folie à Deux'—a sequel to the critically acclaimed 'Joker'—proved to be one of the standout moments of the night.
The Oscars have always been known for their playful jabs at industry misfortunes, but this nod following such a high-profile flop was particularly noteworthy. The failure of 'Joker: Folie à Deux' was not just financial; it did not receive any nominations at this year’s Oscars, an unexpected fate for what many anticipated to be one of the most discussed films of the year.
O'Brien expressed amusement at Scott's delivery, exclaiming, "Damn, best delivery of the night!" The camaraderie between the host and firefighters set a light-hearted tone, contrasting the seriousness of the issues they had faced during the wildfires.
Next up to share the stage was LAFD pilot Jonas Johnson, who took another humorous shot at the industry, poking fun at Timothée Chalamet's upcoming role as Bob Dylan: "To play Bob Dylan, Timothée Chalamet learned how to sing. His singing was so good, he almost lost the part." This witty remark added to the comedic flair of the night, as Johnson cleverly intertwined pop culture with the personal anecdotes of the firefighters.
Fire Department captain Jodi Slicker followed up with her own playful roast directed at Conan O'Brien, saying, "It's great to be back with Conan. Usually, when he calls, he's stuck in a tree." O'Brien chuckled, acknowledging, "It's happened twice!"
These lighthearted interactions highlighted not only the creativity and bravery of the firefighters but also served as comic relief during what can often be a tense and serious night. The Oscars thrive on the connection between performers and the audience, and this year was no exception, with the firefighters adding their own unique touch to the show.
Despite the somber moments related to the wildfires of Los Angeles, the 97th Academy Awards managed to stay on the lighter side with such clever teasing, particularly about the disappointments of 'Joker: Folie à Deux,' which some had high hopes for following the massive success of its predecessor. The event also served as the perfect stage for the industry to reflect on its follies with humor, as O’Brien’s quips underscored.
While 'Joker: Folie à Deux' may have been the butt of the joke this year, the overall success of the night was reflected through the laughter shared between heroes and entertainers. The heartfelt recognition of the firefighters amid moments of levity reminded the audience of the human spirit—resilient and capable of laughter, even when faced with adversity.
With the added anticipation for how such moments and stories will continue to shape Hollywood and its narratives, fans are left hoping for future entries where both humor and honor intersect, creating memorable anecdotes like those shared this night at the Oscars.