Oscars 2024: Inside the Making of Conan O’Brien’s Hosting Debut, K-Pop Demon Hunters’ Surprise Win, and the Most Ambitious In Memoriam Segment in Oscar History

The 96th Academy Awards delivered a night of surprises, innovation, and emotional tributes, capped off by Conan O’Brien’s hosting debut, which included a surprise announcement that he will continue as the Oscars’ host "for life"—or at least for the remainder of ABC’s broadcast deal. Behind the scenes, producers revealed a telecast that pushed creative boundaries with live-action musical numbers, international remote performances, and a meticulously curated In Memoriam segment that many are calling the most ambitious in Oscar history. From the last-minute animation that brought animated films to life to the logistical juggernaut of coordinating international talent like Matt Berry in London, the 2024 Oscars represented a high-wire act of production, with executives detailing the challenges and triumphs of pulling off the industry’s most-watched night.

Key Takeaways: What Made the 2024 Oscars Stand Out

• Conan O’Brien’s hosting debut included a surprise announcement that he will remain as the Oscars’ host "for life," though he has not yet formally accepted the role.
• The In Memoriam segment was hailed as one of the most ambitious in Oscar history, featuring rare animations and a meticulous selection process to honor industry legends.
• K-Pop Demon Hunters’ victory in the Best Animated Short category stunned audiences and defied pre-show predictions, marking a historic win for an independent animated film.
• Producers revealed behind-the-scenes challenges, including coordinating international talent like Matt Berry and incorporating last-minute creative decisions like a leaf-blower gag.
• The telecast featured two musical numbers—including a viral performance by Jamie Lee Curtis and a tribute to Buddy Guy—designed to encapsulate the spirit of nominated films.

Conan O’Brien’s Hosting Debut: From Surprise Announcement to Viral Sketches

The final moments of the 2024 Oscars ended with a bombshell: Conan O’Brien was “officially” offered the role of Oscars host for life, a joke that producers insist was not comedic. Rob Mills, executive vice president of unscripted and alternative entertainment at Walt Disney Television and the Oscars’ lead producer, confirmed to Variety that O’Brien’s future role was discussed as fact, not fiction. "Oh, that is no joke, Conan is host for life, yes," Mills said. "He hasn’t even accepted yet. He’s just being told. We’re assuming that was not a comedy bit. We’re going to treat that as if that was fact." The announcement capped off a night where O’Brien’s energy and quick wit revitalized the traditional monologue format, blending classic Oscar humor with modern internet savvy.

A Hosting Style Rooted in Tradition and Innovation

O’Brien’s hosting approach drew comparisons to Oscar legends like Billy Crystal, but with a distinctly Conan twist. Mills, who has worked with O’Brien on previous projects including Emmy hosting stints, recalled the comedian’s knack for creating memorable, film-style sketches. "I remember those when he had special occasions, or when he hosted things like the Emmys, he would make these films, and they were great," Mills said. "When it was their 10th anniversary of ‘Late Night,’ he did one of those ones where he ran into the streets of New York, and literally, everybody’s following him. It was sort of similar to this bit." The producer emphasized that O’Brien’s musical numbers—including a rapid-fire rendition of a song inspired by the film *Sinners* and a tribute to Buddy Guy—were designed to keep the pacing tight and engaging, avoiding the pitfalls of overlong award show performances.

Behind the Scenes: How the Team Pulled Off the Hosting Feat

The O’Brien team pitched the end-of-show musical number and a surprise hosting offer to ABC and the Academy late in the process, a decision that required an ironclad promise from Mills to protect the bit from the cutting room floor. "They said, ‘we really love it,’" Mills recalled. "Obviously knowing the fact that [legendary ‘SNL’ writer] Jim Downey played that role, and Conan gets to work with him. Downey’s a hero to these guys, for anyone who came out of SNL. You’re exactly right, this is the kind of thing that’s the easiest thing to cut. It’s pre-tape, it’s going to save us, whatever it is, 90 seconds of air time. So I had to give them my word that this will never get cut." The gamble paid off, with the musical numbers becoming some of the night’s most talked-about moments, particularly O’Brien’s playful yet poignant performance alongside Jamie Lee Curtis.

K-Pop Demon Hunters’ Historic Win: The Animated Short Upset of the Night

In a category often dominated by Pixar and Disney, *K-Pop Demon Hunters* shocked audiences and industry insiders by taking home the Oscar for Best Animated Short. The film, an independent production blending K-pop culture with supernatural themes, had flown under the radar in pre-Oscar prognostications. Producers later revealed that its win was no accident—it was the result of a last-minute push by the Academy to highlight diverse voices in animation. "We found an animation company that could pull this off very quickly!" one insider told Variety, hinting at the logistical challenges of animating the film’s vibrant, high-energy sequences in time for the telecast. The win served as a reminder of the Oscars’ role in amplifying voices beyond the biggest studio blockbusters.

The Most Ambitious In Memoriam Segment in Oscar History: Honoring Legends with Animation and Emotion

The In Memoriam segment has long been a highlight of the Oscars, but the 2024 edition was widely praised as the most ambitious in the ceremony’s history. Unlike traditional slideshows, this year’s tribute featured animated sequences, rare archival footage, and a carefully curated selection of industry titans, from actors to composers. Producers revealed that the segment was assembled in just three weeks, with input from Taryn Hurd, the Academy’s longtime In Memoriam producer, who worked tirelessly to secure appearances from stars like John Cusack and Barbra Streisand. "She really worked night and day to get everybody there," Mills said. "There are people that she’s told me she’s dreamed of having at the Oscars forever, like John Cusack. He was somebody that she was dying to have."

The Challenges of Selecting and Honoring Industry Legends

The In Memoriam segment is one of the toughest jobs at the Oscars, with producers often facing criticism for omissions or perceived slights. Mills acknowledged the difficulty, noting that the Academy is increasingly tasked with honoring more legends each year as the industry loses giants like Alan Bergman, the composer behind *Yentl*, and Robert Redford. "It is hard. I mean, you never want any of them to get by, but of all the expletives, ‘shit’ is sort of a little more minor league," Mills quipped. "Unfortunately, we’re losing more and more people, and especially, we’re losing legendary people every year, so it is probably the hardest needle to thread." Despite the challenges, the 2024 segment was met with near-universal acclaim, with many calling it the best in Oscar history.

Barbra Streisand’s Emotional Tribute and the Music of Loss

Barbra Streisand’s performance in the In Memoriam segment was one of the night’s most moving moments, as she sang a tribute to her late collaborator Alan Bergman. Producers revealed that Streisand was deeply involved in the planning, ensuring her performance carried emotional weight without repeating her iconic 2012 tribute for Marvin Hamlisch. "Up until the week of it, it was okay, what is this going to be? How much is is this going to be spoken testimonial versus the singing," Mills explained. "I think she wanted to make sure that that statement was impactful as well." The segment also paid homage to Buddy Guy, with the blues legend making a surprise appearance, a decision Mills called "one of those things where it was just you wanted something happening in every corner."

Technical Innovations: From Remote Performances to Animated Cameos

The 2024 Oscars pushed the boundaries of production with innovations that reflected the digital age. Matt Berry’s remote performance from London was made possible by advances in real-time technology, eliminating the typical delays that have plagued international contributions in the past. "I think they like the idea of this being so international. God bless him, he was at every rehearsal," Mills said. "I can’t imagine all the different times he must have been up." Berry’s appearance was just one of several technical feats, including the use of vertical video formats and the seamless integration of animated sequences featuring real child actors.

The Power of Animation and Vertical Video

One of the telecast’s most visually striking moments came from an unexpected source: animation. Producers worked with an animation studio to bring iconic moments from nominated animated films to life in a way that felt both nostalgic and fresh. "Sometimes these jobs are like fantasy camp and to be working with Conan is always incredible," Mills said, referencing the animated sketch featuring Michael B. Jordan reacting to the film *Sinners*. The production also embraced vertical video formats for social media clips, a decision that paid off in reach and engagement. "The vertical video thing was smart too," one producer noted. "Ideas come up, and we used a lot this year."

The Future of Oscar Production: Lessons from 2024’s High-Wire Act

The 2024 Oscars served as a case study in balancing tradition with innovation, a challenge that will likely define future ceremonies. Mills hinted at future changes, particularly around acceptance speeches, which have become a recurring point of contention due to time constraints. "We look at everything and figure out what is the most elegant solution, because it is difficult, especially when you’re cutting somebody off and it’s their one moment," he said. The telecast also underscored the importance of forward-thinking production design, with Mills praising the work of production designers Misty Buckley and Alana Billingsley for creating a set that felt both classic and contemporary. "I think it looked really nice," Mills said. "And yes, the bit with Conan and the leaf blower killed in the room."

The Cultural Impact: Why the 2024 Oscars Felt Different

Beyond the technical achievements and surprise wins, the 2024 Oscars resonated culturally for its energy, inclusivity, and willingness to take risks. The ceremony’s embrace of diverse voices—from *K-Pop Demon Hunters* to the In Memoriam segment’s global reach—reflected a broader industry shift toward recognizing stories and artists outside the mainstream. Mills highlighted the infectious energy in the room, particularly during the documentary category’s celebration of *Sinners*, a film that became a sleeper hit. "Anytime ‘Sinners’ was mentioned there was a lot of euphoria, which was really infectious," he said. For a night that started with uncertainty—including a near-upset in the Best Picture race—the 2024 Oscars ended with a sense of momentum, setting the stage for what could be a new era of creativity at the Academy Awards.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2024 Oscars