AAP News
Oscars host Conan O'Brien says he's "very aware that it's an iconic show and can be tricky". (AP PHOTO)
Conan O’Brien does not “want to let America down” at the Oscars.
The 61-year-old star is set to host the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, and O’Brien is determined to “lift people up” during the ceremony.
“It’s a celebration of an entire industry and people from every walk of life who give their blood, sweat and tears for show business,” O’Brien told People.
He admitted being inspired by previous Oscars hosts such as Johnny Carson and Bob Hope.
“I thought about when I was a kid watching the Oscars, and I was very interested in watching Johnny Carson host and I think I saw Bob Hope early on,” the TV star said.
“My gut reaction, which I usually go with, was, ‘Yes, let’s do this thing!'”
O’Brien has also spoken to Billy Crystal and Jimmy Kimmel, two former hosts, for some advice.
The comedian hailed Crystal, who has hosted the Academy Awards nine times.
“I have a nice text exchange with Billy Crystal, who’s obviously the all-time great,” O’Brien said.
“And last week I had dinner with Molly (McNearney, Jimmy’s wife and a two-time executive producer) and Jimmy.
“They were terrific (and) have so much great advice … It’s like people that have driven the racetrack many times and they’re telling me, ‘When you get into the third turn, there’s a huge pothole, so veer to the left.’ It’s invaluable stuff.”
Despite this, O’Brien still expects hosting the ceremony to be a challenge.
“There’s no such thing as getting to a point professionally where there are no nerves if you’re working in comedy,” he said.
“I am very aware that it’s an iconic show and can be tricky … I like to meet a challenge.”
