Conan O’Brien, the Emmy-winning comedian, writer, producer, and former late-night television host, has been selected to host the 97th Academy Awards, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Friday.
This will be O’Brien’s first time hosting the prestigious event, following two years of Jimmy Kimmel at the helm. The Oscars ceremony, which has consistently drawn a large global audience, is coming off the success of its previous year, which won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) and attracted more than 20 million viewers.
O’Brien, who is known for his quick wit and irreverent humor, responded to the announcement with a playful comment. “America demanded it and now it’s happening: Taco Bell’s new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. In other news, I’m hosting the Oscars,” O’Brien joked, maintaining his signature blend of humor and absurdity.
Academy Officials Express Enthusiasm
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang both expressed their excitement about the choice of O’Brien as host. In a joint statement, they praised the comedian for his exceptional skills in live television, his love for movies, and his remarkable ability to connect with audiences.
“We are thrilled and honored to have the incomparable Conan O’Brien host the Oscars this year,” Kramer and Yang said. “He is the perfect person to help lead our global celebration of film with his brilliant humor, his love of movies, and his live TV expertise. His remarkable ability to connect with audiences will bring viewers together to do what the Oscars do best — honor the spectacular films and filmmakers of this year.”
A Strong Fit for the Role
Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group, also praised O’Brien’s selection, underscoring the comedian’s decades of success and distinctive comedic voice. “Conan is a preeminent comedic voice, whose decades-long success is marked by his distinctive humor and perspective,” Erwich said. “He joins an iconic roster of comedy greats who have served in this role, and we are so lucky to have him center stage for the Oscars.”
O’Brien’s late-night career, which spans more than two decades, has earned him a reputation as one of the most skilled and innovative hosts in television history. He is best known for his work on Late Night with Conan O’Brien, The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien, and his long-running TBS talk show Conan. O’Brien’s irreverent style, which blends satirical commentary, absurd humor, and unique celebrity interviews, made him a beloved figure in late-night television.
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Before his rise to fame as a late-night host, O’Brien worked as a writer for Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons, two of television’s most iconic comedy shows. He has also built a successful career outside of late-night hosting, including his popular podcast Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, which features candid conversations with celebrities and fellow comedians. Additionally, O’Brien recently starred in the travel show Conan O’Brien Must Go, which saw him embarking on international adventures.
Over the course of his career, O’Brien has garnered 31 Emmy nominations, winning five times for his work in comedy and television.
Executive Producers Weigh In
Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, the executive producers of the 97th Academy Awards, also offered their support for O’Brien’s appointment. Both praised his experience in live television and his ability to captivate audiences with his distinctive brand of humor.
“Conan has all the qualities of a great Oscars host,” Kapoor and Mullan said. “He is incredibly witty, charismatic, and funny, and has proven himself to be a master of live event television. We are so looking forward to working with him to deliver a fresh, exciting, and celebratory show for Hollywood’s biggest night.”
The 97th Academy Awards
The Oscars will take place on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood. The star-studded event will be broadcast live to more than 200 territories worldwide, reaching millions of viewers across the globe.
This year’s slate of films is expected to include several high-profile contenders, including Sean Baker’s Anora, Jon M. Chu’s musical Wicked, and Ridley Scott’s epic sequel Gladiator II. These films, along with others in the race for top honors, will compete for the Academy Awards across a variety of categories.
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The ceremony will air live on ABC and other international outlets at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, with a red carpet pre-show set to begin at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT. The event will celebrate the year’s most outstanding achievements in film, with O’Brien at the helm to bring his comedic flair and sharp sense of humor to the stage.
