'Oscar Can Never Be Horizontal' — Conan O'Brien Reveals the Weird Academy Demands for Oscars Statues in Promos

In a surprising turn of events, former Oscars host Conan O’Brien revealed the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ surprising rigidity regarding their iconic statue. O’Brien, during an episode of Mike Sweeney’s podcast, "Conan Needs a Friend," shared how his team's creative promotional ideas were met with staunch disapproval from the Academy.

O’Brien pitched a series of ads portraying himself in a humorous domestic partnership with a nine-foot-tall Oscar statue. However, the Academy’s response was far from enthusiastic, particularly concerning the statue's positioning and attire.

"We’re fighting about things couples fight about," O'Brien recounted. "One idea involved the Oscar lying on a couch, with me vacuuming and complaining about its feet or asking for help with the dishwasher. They simply said, 'No, no, no, that can't happen.'"

The Academy's resistance stemmed from surprisingly strict rules surrounding the statue's depiction. O'Brien explained, "One person from the Academy said, 'Oscar can never be horizontal.' It was mind-blowing. Like it's a religious icon!" Further adding to the absurdity, the Academy insisted the statue remain "always naked," nixing an idea of the statue wearing an apron and serving O’Brien leftovers.

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While the Academy's reasoning remains somewhat opaque, their rules are undeniably their prerogative. It's a shame we missed out on O’Brien's unique comedic vision for the Oscars promos. Here’s hoping for equally inventive ideas from him next time—we're rooting for Team Conan Oscar Host 2026!