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The 97th Academy Awards paid tribute to local heroes on Sunday evenings and brought in the Pallisard and Eton Fire firefighters to bask in their spotlight on Hollywood’s biggest night.
Host Conan O’Brien welcomed 12 firefighters to the Oscar stage and presented the award, with three of them invited to deliver punchy one-liners in front of a star-studded audience.
After a nearly minute-long standing ovation, O’Brien began his tribute by thanking the crew “on behalf of everyone in Greater Los Angeles” for their courage and service in the January fire.
“I know you find this difficult to believe, but even if I don’t have the courage to talk about it, there are a few jokes,” the host of the late-night talk show said before turning to the firefighters. “So, on behalf of me, read what’s on the prompter.”
Afterwards, O’Brien turned his attention to the audience once more before handing over the spotlight to his guests.
“Remember,” O’Brien spoke, pointing out a crowd of celebrities. “Everyone in this audience has to laugh. These are heroes!”
O’Brien then introduced Eric Scott, the captain of the LA Fire Department, to read his first joke.
(From L) Los Angeles Fire Station (LAFD) Captain Elixcott, LAFD Helicopter Pilot Johnnis Johnson Jr. and Pasadena Fire Captain Jodi Licker will be awarding the 97th Annual Academy Awards on March 2, 2025 at Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California.
“Well, our hearts are directed at all those who have lost their homes,” Scott said. “And I’m talking about the producers of Joker 2.”
The camera showed the audience laughing, as O’Brien complimented Scott and said, “The best delivery of the night!”
Next, LAFD helicopter pilot Johnnis Johnson Jr. had a moment of digging up at center stage.
“To play Bob Dylan, Timothy Chalamett learned how to sing,” Johnson began. “In fact, his song was so good that most of it was missing that part.”
With laughter from the best actor nominee himself, O’Brien handed the microphone over to his third and final guest joke leader, Pasadena Fire Captain Jodi Licker.
“It’s great to be back with Conan,” Slicker smirked. “Usually, when he calls, he’s stuck in a tree.”
“It happened twice!” rebutted O’Brien, and the audience bowed, laughed and applauded, thanking the firefighters before awarding the award.
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