The 97th Oscars was a big night for Anora and independent films. Sean Baker tied Walt Disney’s record, and Mikey Madison surprised everyone by beating Demi Moore to take home the Best Actress award.
Conan O’Brien hosted the event with humor and grace, delivering an entertaining show filled with awards for various films, including Anora’s unique blend of comedy and drama, as well as other noteworthy titles like The Brutalist and Dune: Part Two.
The ceremony featured singing, dancing, emotional tributes, and many memorable reunions among stars. It ran for nearly four hours—a marathon of cinematic celebration that aired on ABC and Hulu.
Rob Mills from Walt Disney Television called the show a “great experience.” He shared insights in an interview, reflecting on Conan’s performance, the musical aspects, and the challenges of timing during live events.
Mills expressed how much he enjoyed collaborating with Conan and his team. It was a dream come true to produce such a significant event. He acknowledged the hard work of the show’s producers and the excitement that builds in the weeks leading up to the Oscars.
He spoke about Conan’s hosting style, drawing comparisons to legendary figures like Bob Hope. Mills hopes to see him return for future events. Hosting the Oscars is a huge commitment, influencing how the host prepares and engages throughout the show.
Mills humorously reflected on the show’s length, noting that while they aimed for three and a half hours, they ended up running close to four. He acknowledged that it’s tough to trim content when so much is essential and heartfelt, like acceptance speeches.
Speaking of speeches, Mills highlighted Sean Baker’s passionate call for theater attendance as his favorite moment of the night. It resonated deeply with Mills, who enjoys the cinema experience and values it for his family.
He also noted that when speeches run long, they can lose impact, yet when delivered concisely, they often become memorable highlights of the show.
Interestingly, the ceremony took a mostly non-political approach, with just a few sharp comments peppered in. Mills explained that they aim to create an inclusive atmosphere for all viewers.
The musical performances were a standout part of the night, with Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande kicking off the show. Mills mentioned a desire to pay homage to classic songs while keeping the themes of hope and resilience strong.
Questions about the Best Song performances arose as they weren’t included this time. Mills explained that they’re continuously looking for ways to innovate and streamline the show.
He also reflected on the decision to have past Oscar winners return to speak, noting the benefit of showcasing talent in categories like costume design and cinematography—a move welcomed by audiences.
There were some surprises too. Mills revealed that the planning for the show is a year-round effort, emphasizing the importance of thinking ahead, especially with the approaching 100th Oscars.
As always, the “In Memoriam” segment stirred emotions. Mills expressed the challenge of balancing visibility for those honored while acknowledging that not everyone can be included.
He shared frustration over Hulu’s streaming issues during the event, acknowledging that while they strive for perfection, sometimes technical glitches occur. Efforts will be made to ensure smoother streaming next year.
Reflecting on this year’s success and the excitement for future events, Mills emphasized that planning for the Oscars is a continuous adventure—one that connects people across the globe through film.
Check out this related article: Unpacking the Heartbreak: Why Demi Moore’s Oscar Loss to Mikey Madison Resonates with Fans
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