Oscars producers reveal how Conan O’Brien made the 2025 show his own — and why they’re ‘fully in love’ with the host
According to Oscars executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, working with host Conan O’Brien at the 2025 Academy Awards far exceeded expectations.
“He nailed a whole opening monologue with all of these incredible jokes. Then he tap-danced, accompanied by a sandworm, and opened the show. I mean, he did it all — and that was just in Act 1,” says Mullan.
The producing duo, both Emmy winners, are thrilled to be teaming up with O’Brien again for the 2026 Oscars. From their very first meeting, they say, it was clear a special creative partnership was forming.
“It was kind of magic from the moment that Conan walked in,” Kapoor tells Gold Derby. “We had an amazing lunch and the conversation didn’t stop. And we knew we were on a great path.”
Kapoor and Mullan also recalled the unforeseen emotional weight of the 2025 broadcast. In the days leading up to the show, Los Angeles was hit by devastating wildfires, affecting many residents and members of the entertainment community. As producers, they were challenged with finding the right tone — honoring cinematic achievement while acknowledging the real-life hardship unfolding nearby.
In response, O’Brien crafted a portion of his monologue to address the moment with sincerity and heart. “He wrote personally his part of the speech all about the fires,” Mullan explained.
Kapoor, an eight-time Emmy nominee who, in addition to the 96th Oscars, also won for executive-producing Adele: One Night Only, noted that O’Brien brought a unique voice and genuine authenticity to the ceremony.
“There’s been so many great hosts of the Oscars, but he really made it his own,” he says.
Mullan, whose producing credits include the London Olympics opening and closing ceremonies as well as The Little Mermaid Live!, takes a moment during this time of the year to reflect on the show’s challenges and successes — while also looking ahead.
“Putting these things together, it’s so much of a huge team effort,” she says. “It’s so many right choices and so many things just coming together at the right moment.”
The decision to bring O’Brien back as host for the 2026 Oscars came early — a move both producers say has already paid off. With an established working relationship, they’ve gained time, trust, and creative momentum.
“Last year it was like we were dating and now we’re fully in love,” Mullan jokes. “So it’s just going to be even better this year.”