Los Angeles [US], March 3 – In a heartfelt tribute, the Academy took a moment to honour the brave firefighters who risked their lives battling the devastating wildfires that hit Los Angeles, during the Oscars ceremony on Sunday night.
Host Conan O’Brien welcomed a team of firefighters to the stage, and the audience responded with a standing ovation in recognition of their heroism.
“On behalf of everyone in greater Los Angeles, thank you for all you do,” O’Brien expressed before inviting several firefighters to speak. Their appearance at the Oscars also brought some light-hearted moments as they cracked a few jokes, leaving the audience in fits of laughter, as reported by Variety.
Los Angeles Fire Department Captain Erik Scott kicked off the humor with a sharp one-liner: “Our hearts go out to those who have lost their homes,” he said. “And I’m talking about the producers of ‘Joker 2.'”
Even O’Brien couldn’t resist the joke, saying, “Damn, best delivery of the night.”
Next, LAFD pilot Jonas Johnson took the mic and joked about the biographical film A Complete Unknown, which chronicles the early life of Bob Dylan. “To play Bob Dylan, Timothee Chalamet learned how to sing,” Johnson quipped. “In fact, his singing was so good, he almost lost the part.”
The firefighters were also warmly received during their appearance at the Grammy Awards last month, continuing their recognition for their courageous work.
The wildfires that began earlier this month have caused widespread destruction, claiming at least 25 lives and forcing over 105,000 people to evacuate their homes. The bravery and selflessness of the Los Angeles Fire Department in combating these deadly wildfires was celebrated in this moving moment at the Oscars.