LOS ANGELES, Feb 26 (Reuters) - Conan O'Brien said he

does not think he can avoid politics when he steps on the stage

on Sunday to host the Academy Awards, the highest honors in the

movie business.

Past hosts and winners in traditionally liberal Hollywood

often commented on current events, at times sparking angry

critiques from Donald Trump on social media.

Republican Trump returned to the White House as president in

January.

"I think as host I cannot ignore the moment we're in right

now, but also it's threading a needle," O'Brien, a first-time

Oscars host, said at a press conference. "I want to do it with

humor and also make sure the night doesn't drift into only about

that."

The Oscars will be broadcast live on Walt Disney's ( DIS )

ABC network on Sunday.

O'Brien said he had a responsibility to celebrate the actors

and craftspeople who worked on the nominated movies while

acknowledging current events. "It's a difficult line to walk,

but I'm determined to do it," he said.

He promised a festive night, a luxurious tuxedo custom made

for him by a Los Angeles designer and "for the first time in my

career - incredible lighting."

He also joked that he would take jabs at beloved Hollywood

figures such as Ron Howard and Tom Hanks. "I'm going to take 'em

both down."

O'Brien said he could not reveal much else about the show.

"I don't go to rehearsals. I hang out at a Cheesecake

Factory," he quipped.