Where have you gone, Billy Crystal?
The comic actor hosted the Academy Awards nine times, bringing a light touch to the annual gala. He also steered clear of partisan politics, something that hasn’t been the norm for some time.
Many awards shows double as DNC spectacles in the modern era. Look no further than four-time host Jimmy Kimmel, who brought his signature activism to the role.
His last hosting gig in 2024 found him sticking to the yuks, for the most part, until he saw an angry Tweet from a certain ex-president. He subsequently let loose as a result.
Now, it’s Conan O’Brien’s turn to steady the Oscar ship.
Good luck.
The Hollywood Resistance 2.0 is angrier than ever, and a confluence of events could make Sunday’s Oscars telecast into a three-plus hour lecture.
- The war in Iran
- All things ICE
- All things President Donald Trump
- “Melania” … the movie
- Immigration
- Terror attacks in several U.S. cities
There’s no shortage of political topics, and in a healthier Hollywood that wouldn’t matter. This version is obsessed with both the political scene and the culture wars.
Last year, O’Brien mostly kept politics at bay. Can he do so again? And, even if he does, will the various presenters and winners do the same?
My debut colum for The California Post asks more tough questions on the subject.
