Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande honor city in performance while host Conan O’Brien discusses fires in monologue

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Conan O’Brien briefly discussed the Los Angeles wildfires and “divisive politics” while delivering his opening monologue at the 97th Academy Awards.

“The people of Los Angeles have clearly been through a devastating ordeal and this needs to be addressed,” O’Brien said. “In moments such as this, any awards show can seem self-indulgent and superfluous, but what I want to have us do is remember why we gathered here tonight.”

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