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Conan O’Brien Recaps Oscar Hosting Stint: The ‘Wicked’ Comedy Bit That Nearly Opened The Show, ‘Dune’ Sandworm Moments That Never Aired, And One Gag Nixed By Academy Brass
Oscars host Conan O'Brien and head writer Mike Sweeney said they initially planned a very different opening to the show.
The Dune sandworm, which popped up in the orchestra playing the harp in a moment reminiscent of O’Brien’s early late-night days, initially was going to command even more screen time. While O’Brien and Sweeney both said their dealings with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences were pleasant and constructive, they did recall one moment where they crossed a line. The process of sifting through countless ideas was complicated not only by the fires in January but also by the death of O’Brien’s mother and father three days apart in December.
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