In a moving tribute, the Academy honored the brave firefighters who battled the deadly wildfires in Los Angeles, bringing an emotional moment to the 2025 Oscars on Sunday night.
Host Conan O’Brien welcomed a team of Los Angeles firefighters on stage, where they received a standing ovation from the star-studded audience. “On behalf of everyone in greater Los Angeles, thank you for all you do,” O’Brien said before inviting several firefighters to speak.
The firefighters not only received gratitude but also entertained the crowd with their sharp wit. Los Angeles Fire Department captain Erik Scott opened with a playful jab: “Our hearts go out to those who have lost their homes. And I’m talking about the producers of ‘Joker 2.'” The audience erupted in laughter, and even O’Brien was impressed. “Damn,” the comedian said, “best delivery of the night.”
Following Scott, Los Angeles Fire Department pilot Jonas Johnson kept the humor going, targeting the Bob Dylan biopic “A Complete Unknown.” “To play Bob Dylan, Timothée Chalamet learned how to sing,” Johnson joked. “In fact, his singing was so good, he almost lost the part.”
This warm reception mirrored the recognition Los Angeles firefighters received at the Grammy Awards last month.
The wildfires, which began earlier this month, have caused massive destruction across the region. At least 25 people have lost their lives, and more than 105,000 people have been forced to evacuate their homes.
