Highlights from the 97th Academy Awards

The 97th Academy Awards was a remarkable evening for Anora and independent cinema. During this significant ceremony, Sean Baker notably tied Walt Disney's long-standing record, and Mikey Madison unexpectedly triumphed over Demi Moore to snag the Best Actress award.

Hosted by the charismatic Conan O’Brien, the event had its fair share of humor and sentimental moments. The show showcased a plethora of films, ranging from the acclaimed sex worker comedy-drama to The Brutalist, I’m Still Here, Dune: Part Two, Wicked, No Other Land, The Substance, Conclave, A Real Pain, Flow, and even a few awards for the contested Emilia Pérez.

The three hours and 47 minutes of the broadcast were filled with lively performances, heartfelt tributes, and nostalgic reunions among stars. The event was streamed on ABC and Hulu.

Rob Mills Reflects on the Evening

Rob Mills, Executive Vice President of Unscripted & Alternative Entertainment at Walt Disney Television and the head of the telecast, described the night as a "great experience." In a discussion following the event, Mills shared insights about Conan’s hosting, the musical segments, notable speeches, the special In Memoriam tribute, and future Oscars.

Q: Congratulations on the show last night. How was it for you?

ROB MILLS: It went really well! Working alongside Conan and his team felt like an incredible opportunity. The producers, Raj and Katy, are top-notch, and it was great to collaborate with them and everyone at The Academy. Although I feel a little nostalgic now that the event is over, it is always a fulfilling experience.

Q: Conan received a lot of praise, drawing comparisons to hosts like Bob Hope and Johnny Carson. Will you bring him back next year?

MILLS: Absolutely! I hope we can work with Conan again. Hosting the Oscars is very demanding, but it was like a nostalgic journey through decades of television with him.

Q: The show ran for more than three hours; did you have concerns about it being lengthy?

MILLS: Yes, it was a bit longer than anticipated, but we aimed for three hours and 30 minutes. It’s challenging to keep a tight schedule, especially when certain segments must remain.

Q: What was your favorite speech of the night?

MILLS: I cherished Sean Baker's call to support movie theaters during his Best Director speech. It's a sentiment many share, especially passionate movie enthusiasts like myself.

Q: Adrien Brody’s speech was among the longest in Oscars history. What can be done in those situations?

MILLS: Unfortunately, there’s not much that can be done. Lengthy speeches can sometimes lose their impact. Timing can be tricky, but it’s ideally better at the end of the show.

Q: The show seemed to focus less on politics this year; was that a conscious decision?

MILLS: Not intentionally, but the Oscars should be an inclusive event for everyone. Political statements can be polarizing, so we aim to create a warm atmosphere.

Musical Highlights and Performances

The musical acts featured prominent performances, including a tribute tied to The Wiz, which was celebrated during the show. Mills noted that he is a fan of The Wiz and appreciated how the performances came together to form a coherent theme of hope and resilience.

Q: Why wasn’t there a performance for the Best Song nominees?

MILLS: To streamline the show, we made the choice to not include the performances this year. It was a tough decision, but we tried to focus on what works best in terms of time.

Q: Can we expect a performance showcasing James Bond in the future?

MILLS: It was indeed exciting timing with the Amazon deal. The idea was to honor Governor's Awards winners while celebrating the iconic Bond songs.

It was also gratifying to showcase the contributions of costume designers and cinematographers during the event. As Mills noted, spotlighting different categories can enrich the viewing experience.

Amid the fun, there was room for somber reflection as well. Mills acknowledged the challenges surrounding the In Memoriam segment and the importance of remembering all those who contributed to the industry.

Q: What about the challenges with Hulu during the show?

MILLS: Technical issues are always unfortunate, but such challenges are not unusual.

Q: What are your thoughts about the 2026 Oscars?

MILLS: We’ll certainly start planning for it soon. Each year is crucial, and with the 100th Oscars approaching in two years, there is a lot to consider moving forward.

Oscars, Conan, SeanBaker, Awards, Independent