hollywood's biggest night, packing plenty of surprises.

the indy darling that dominated, bringing home five awards. and all the big moments on stage and from the red carpet. growing fallout in the fight to shrink the federal workforce. elon musk raising concerns over the future of social security after calling the benefits a ponzi scheme. pete hegseth ordered to stop cyber operations against russia, just days after president trump's fiery meeting with volodymyr zelenskyy. wildfires rage across the carolinas, forcing evacuations near myrtle beach. inside the race to contain the flames. and the impact of tariffs on tacos. our interview with chipotle's ceo. it's monday, march 3rd. "early today" starts right now. glad you're with me this morning. i'm frances rivera.

less than two months after the devastating california wildfires put its very existence into question, the show went on at the dolby theater sunday. hollywood stars gathered to honor the best films of 2024 at the 97th academy awarded hosted by conan o'brien. it was a small indy that had the greatest day. >> and the oscar goes to -- [ gong ] >> are they playing us off? >> no. well, maybe. anora. >> anora was the big winner, taking home five total awards. and anora's final award win the to its breakout star, mikey madison who won best actress for her performance. and coming up, we're live from hollywood with more highlights from hollywood's biggest night. let's turn now to the white house and the effort to slash government spending. there are new concerns over the future of social security after elon musk went on a podcast and

called the benefits a ponzi scheme. alice barr is following reaction for us from d.c. good morning, alice. what are we hearing from lawmakers? >> reporter: good morning, frances, and we did see new reaction on nbc's "meet the press" over the weekend with senator bernie sanders calling musk's comments outrageous. while house speaker mike johnson defended doge. >> what he's finding with his algorithms crawling through the data of the social security system is enormous amounts of fraud, waste and abuse. >> it's worth noting the internal watchdog found less than 1% of benefit payments were improper. >> don't believe it. hey, don't believe it. >> half of elderly people are trying to get by on $30,000 a year. 22% on $15,000 a year. we've got to raise social security benefits, not go afteo important. >> reporter: and this comes as the social security administration just announced that it plans to let go of about

7,000 workers and close some regional offices. some democratic lawmakers plan to invite fired federal workers to be their guests tomorrow night when president trump addresses a joint session of congress. americans gathered at national parks this weekend to protest widespread job cuts. some federal workers got a new e-mail asking them what they did last week. the new message does not come with any explicit threat of termination but does say that employees should expect to complete this task every monday by midnight. frances? >> alice barr, thank you. new this morning, defense secretary pete hegseth has ordered the pentagon to cease offensive cyber operations against russia according to a top u.s. official familiar with the matter. president trump is trying to restore diplomatic channels with russia as his administration seeks a quick end to the war in ukraine. it's not clear how long the order will last. a senior u.s. defense official

declined to comment due to operational security concerns. it comes as president zelenskyy gets a warm welcome in london two days after the disastrous meeting with president trump in the oval office. for the latest, let's turn to matt bodner. so how is europe dealing with the fallout from the trump-zelenskyy meeting? >> reporter: it is difficult to overstate just how shocking those scenes from the oval office were for allies in europe. yesterday's summit here in london was a testament to that. while russia celebrated the apparent alignment of washington's foreign policy with moscow's preferences, european officials called for urgent continent-wide rearmament. they said they needed to turn ukraine into a steel porcupine. von der leyen stressed that it is time now to prepare for the worst. that said, the european leadership is not ready to fully give up on the united states.

kier tarmer had this to say. >> europe must do the heavy lifting. but to support peace in our continent, and to succeed, this effort must have strong u. backing. nobody wanted to see what happened last friday, but i do not accept the u.s. is an unreliable ally. >> reporter: it is important to keep in mind that starmer, for the moment, has no real choice other than to say this. not only has he been the most successful leader to engage trump so far, but the fact is that europe is not prepared militarily to lose america as an ally. and many still hope to salvage the situation. but friday's disaster in the oval office fundamentally changed the tone of the conversation over here. frances? >> certainly a dynamic shift, thank you. israel now stopping the entry of humanitarian aid into gaza after hamas refused a u.s. proposal in extending the first phase of the cease-fire. under the new proposal, hamas

would release half of the hostages at the start of the extension and release the remaining when an agreement is made for a cease-fire. israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu says israel will not allow a cease-fire without the release of hostages. a state of emergency in south carolina after dozens of wildfires erupted, burning thousands of acres and forcing some people out of their homes. nbc's emilie ikeda has more. >> reporter: a state of emergency as wildfires rage across parts of south carolina. the largest, more than a thousand acres, burning out of control near the popular myrtle beach area. many forced to flee. you can hear the panic from residents in the danger zone. >> it's definitely nerve-wracking. >> reporter: the flames fueled by dry conditions and strong

winds. a rare red flag warning issued saturday. >> we saw this fire really flare up. we could see flames from our studio here in myrtle beach, five miles away. >> reporter: now an urgent effort to attack the flames from every angle. choppers and planes seen making water drops throughout the day. russell hugh bright is with the state's forestry commission. >> the problem that we're trying to handle as best we can, you have some woods that are very flammable. >> reporter: wildfires also spread out across hundreds of acres in north carolina. including the melrose fire and the blue ridge mountains. thick smoke can be seen for miles. the flames slicing through this hillside. officials are asking the public to stay vigilant, with burn bans in place across both states. back in south carolina, residents on edge, watching and waiting for any signs of relief.

>> we were definitely pretty concerned it was going to blow this way. when it did, that's when it really got hectic and stressful. our thanks to emily for that report. out west a dust storm west of phoenix arizona may have triggered a deadly crash. four people were killed and two in critical condition. investigators believe a single accident created a domino effect on interstate 10 with both cars and semis slamming into each other. good morning, michelle, what are you watching? >> a really busy week weather wise. we're looking at a big system out west that's going to move to the east and bring all sorts of impacts. today blizzard-like conditions in the northern plains and rockies. by wednesday, along the east coast. this is today, we have the storm in the rockies, high plains, bringing 5 to 10 inches of snow. could see up to 18 inches.

really gusty ends, up to about 65 miles per hour in spo. that's going to increase the fire risk. later on this evening into the overnight hours we're looking at the chance for gusty thunderstorms, severe weather in the south central states. we could see damaging winds. nice and dry along the east coast. plenty of sunshine. chilly in new england. this is wednesday, that storm system in the rockies today, now to the east coast. we're looking at the chance for heavy rain. that's where you're seeing the darker colors here. on the backside of the system. the colder air working in. we're looking at the chance for snow in the midwest. another storm system impacting the west that will move to the east also. by friday we're going to clear it out in the east from new england all the way down to the southeast. could see a little bit of snow lingering in extreme new england.

it's a chilly start to our workweek. we're looking at temperatures in the 20s and 30s in new england and the northeast. all right, that's your monday forecast. >> okay, thanks so much, michelle. the first time you try bounce, it hits you. your laundry feels way fresher, softer. so you start to wonder. if i put a sheet of bounce on the finance guy, will it make him softer? bounce can't do it all but for better laundry, ♪ put a sheet on it with bounce. ♪ aveeno introduces new daily moisturizing cream. it's clinically proven to moisturize dry skin

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fresh food served with a smile at a fair price. and it's the price, whether at chipotle or anywhere else customers think about. >> we're all vying for the same wallet with the consumer. >> reporter: that's the kind of thing g that keeps him up at night, economic pressures and inflation, and the potential for new tariffs on canada and mexico. those tariffs could roll out as early as this week, which could mean higher prices on things like avocados and tomatoes. >> we don't think it's fair to pass those costs on to the consumer. >> reporter: if it starts to cost you more, you're not going to pass that cost on to your customer? >> i can't say we wouldn't ever, hallie, but it is our intent as we sit here today to absorb those costs. >> reporter: also thinking about immigration and how new policies might affect the company and its workers. >> we believe in a sustainable

solution for immigration reform long term. >> reporter: have you seen an impact on your business? >> i haven't today. but i think it would be naive to believe as leaders in any organization that there aren't cohorts of people that aren't impacted. whether that's directly or psychologically. i think it's a really important moment for us to connect with all individuals in our organization as a mental check-in to say how are you doing? how are you feeling? is there anything we can do to help or support? >> reporter: and while there's a divide in diversity, equity and inclusion programs, he says it's not about the label but the work itself. >> it was just a belief in how we do business. >> reporter: no plans to bring in another dei officer? >> not at present. >> reporter: behind the scenes, they are working on efficiency to make it easier for them to serve customers. 23,000 of their people were promoted internally last year.

and now? >> we're going to hire 20,000 people leading into burrito season. >> reporter: i did not know there was a burrito season. >> reporter: this year it will include a new limited-time only offering. chipotle honey chicken. and we got an exclusive first taste. >> hope you're ready for this, hallie. >> reporter: kind of nervous. [ laughter ] >> reporter: that's good. got a kick. it's got a kick. and like many companies, chipototle'sorking to harness the power of a.i. in their case by using a hiring assistance named ava-cado. and testing a robot helper for digital orders, all of it to chipotle, a recipe for success. >> i think the future is incredibly bright, and there's more fun to be had.

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now i know in the past, this show has gone long, okay? that's not going to happen. ♪ ♪ ♪ i won't waste time ♪ >> guys? i thought we were all doing this? >> now, for no good reason, chopsticks on the piano! >> here -- are -- the nominees -- for production design. >> it's great to be back with conan. usually when he calls, he's stuck in a tree. >> okay. one more thing! >> that part right there is one of my favorites. it wasn't just conan o'brien bringing the laughter. it was chock-full of clever bits

from presenters. no spoilers but kind of spoiler here, you have to watch it the beginning is like he was late, but then he was seen taking the substance coming out of demi moore's body. >> i need to see it. it's recorded. now let's talk fashion. starting with zoe saldana. she floated onto the carpet like an absolute queen that she is. andrew garfield pulled up in a brown gucci suit proving that cool is in his dna. not everyone can make the best list, of course. because fashion is all about risks, and sometimes those risks don't pay up. doja cat gave us a strapless animal print gown. that's just her. and then ethan slater, that was his moment.

>> you know what, his big accessory is going to be ariana grande. it was all about her shining. and a little sketch at the top where you saw them presenting best costume. up next, a delta flight rerouted. and an update on pope francis' condition. ll me you're joking. uh, it's a little early for jokes, but here it goes. this muffin goes on vacation— what's happening? you said “joking” three times, that's why i'm here. uh, anyway, so this muffin— well i was just excited about my new car. -new car? oh, you don't need a joke, you need a jake. [singing] like a good neighbor, state farm is there. your state farm agent can help you choose the coverage you need. alright, i've got a show, so— you forgot your toothbrush, jimmy fallon! like a good neighbor, state rm is there. when you really need to sleep. you reach for the really good stuff. zzzquil ultra helps you sleep better and longer when you need it most. its non-habit forming and powered by the makers of nyquil.

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spacex is set to launch at 6:30 p.m. eastern from texas. it comes as the faa continues its investigation into january's mishap that led to an explosion scattering debris over parts of turks and caicos. captain america raked in another $15 million domestically. last breath took second with $7.8 million. and the monkey took third with $6.4 million. "early today" will be right back after a quick break. for years, one supplement claimed it improved memory. but the truth? it can't support those claims. choose neuriva plus — which supports six brain health indicators, including memory, with clinically tested ingredients. it's time to switch to neuriva. travel can make you smell kinda funky. but aluminum-free secret whole body deodorant gives me 72 hour whole body freshness. for long layovers. surprise gate changes. and heavy luggage. and it's totally middle-seat approved.

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los angeles after the wildfires to history being made, the oscars were nothing short of memorable. jennifer bjorklund joins us with the highlights. hi, jennifer, good morning. >> reporter: frances, good morning. and yes, to follow up all the action here in l.a., it was a 3.9 earthquake that rattled some of the afterparties after the show wrapped up. but it was the independent film anora that really shook things up. >> anora. >> reporter: a gritty comedy about an rotic dancer dominated best picture. >> i want to thank the academy for recognizing a truly independent film. >> reporter: the film brought individual honors to sean baker for directing, editing and original screenplay. >> mikey madison. >> reporter: while the film's

star scored a mild upset in winning best actress. >> this is a dream come true. i'm probably going to wake up tomorrow. >> reporter: best actor went to the star of the brutalist. >> adrien brodie. >> reporter: his win 22 years ago made him even more appreciative. >> it can all go away. and i think what makes this night most special is the awareness of that. >> reporter: in the supporting categories an emotional zoe saldana saluted her family after winning for emilia perez. >> everything brave, outrageous and good that i've ever done in my life is because of you. >> reporter: and kieran culkin's win for a real pain could mean two more kids for he and his wife. >> she said i ill give you four when you win an oscar. >> reporter: the night also included a lengthy standing ovation for l.a. firefighters. while morgan freeman supplied a poignant moment, honoring the

work of gene hackman. >> i won the hearts of film lovers all over the world. >> reporter: a love shared for sunday's oscar winners. and, you know, the musical, emilia perez led the pack with 13 nominations for oscars and won just two. while the period drama, "the brutalist" and the broadway adaption of wicked each scored ten nominations. wicked won two, and "the brutalist" won three. sometimes it's not all about all those big nominations. it's actually taking home the gold, which was all anora. >> it's so true, especially with a complete unknown, totally shut out for the oscars. m ans ve jni m foroing y.i'