Los Angeles firefighters will share the spotlight with Hollywood's biggest stars at the 97th Academy Awards this Sunday, joining host Conan O'Brien for a special segment at the Dolby Theatre.
The unique collaboration comes as Southern California continues to recover from devastating wildfires that impacted the Pacific Palisades and Altadena neighborhoods earlier this year. The fires affected many in the film industry, including O'Brien himself, who has been living in a hotel for the past two months.
Los Angeles Fire Captain Erik Scott confirmed his team's participation in the ceremony. "When we stepped out on that stage Thursday night for the first rehearsal, it was very nerve-racking," Scott said. "Those were just poster boards of the celebrities there, so when you're actually sitting there, the heat will be on. But we're used to the heat."
The Academy plans to use the broadcast platform to celebrate the city's resilience and recognize the efforts of frontline workers. Scott expressed humility about firefighters being acknowledged on a global stage.
The decision to include firefighters in the ceremony reflects the broader impact of recent wildfires on Hollywood's community. The natural disasters earlier prompted discussions about potentially canceling the awards season altogether.
The 97th Academy Awards ceremony will air live on ABC this Sunday at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, with possible light showers forecast for Los Angeles during the event.