Conan O’Brien, the Emmy-winning television host known for his unique comedic style, has been chosen to host the 97th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 2, 2025. This marks O’Brien’s inaugural stint as the Oscars' emcee, and the Academy is banking on his blend of sharp humor and extensive live television experience to reinvigorate the awards ceremony, which has seen a decline in viewership over recent years.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang expressed their excitement about O’Brien’s appointment, stating, "We are thrilled and honored to have the incomparable Conan O’Brien host the Oscars this year. He is the perfect person to help lead our global celebration of film with his brilliant humor, love of movies, and live TV expertise.” O’Brien himself humorously remarked, "America demanded it, and now it’s happening: Taco Bell’s new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme.
According to LateNighter, the Oscars have long struggled with finding suitable hosts, often oscillates back to having none instead. Previously, this resulted from the show's attempts to lighten the mood but led viewers to feel as though the ceremony lacked the necessary energy and flair meant to showcase major achievements in film. The decision to appoint O’Brien is seen as bold and strategically timed, reflecting the growing need for revitalization within the event's presentation.
With past experience hosting late-night talk shows for over 28 years, including iconic programs like "Late Night with Conan O’Brien," "The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien," and his self-titled show "Conan," O’Brien has developed a distinctive comedic approach characterized by absurdism and self-deprecation. Coupled with various hosting roles across award shows like the Emmys and the MTV Movie Awards, he stands out as someone who brings both laughter and spontaneity to the stage. Craig Erwich, president of Disney’s Television Group, noted, "Conan is a preeminent comedic voice whose decades-long success is marked by his distinctive humor and perspective. We are so lucky to have him center stage for the Oscars."
Originally starting his career as a writer for "Saturday Night Live" and "The Simpsons" during the late 1980s and 1990s, O’Brien transitioned to hosting, garnering praise for his quirky interviews and humorous segments. Most recently, he has expanded his reach beyond traditional television through his podcast, "Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend," and his MAX travel series, "Conan O’Brien Must Go," both of which have attracted substantial audiences. He has received five Primetime Emmy Awards throughout his career and boasts 31 nominations for various productions, showcasing his confirmation as one of the leading figures within television entertainment.
For Oscars producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, O’Brien embodies all the necessary qualities of the ideal host: wit, charisma, and experience under live conditions. They declared their anticipation for his hosting, saying, "We are so looking forward to working with him to deliver a fresh and exciting show for Hollywood’s biggest night." Given the potential for O’Brien to mix nostalgia with his unfiltered humor, there’s rising excitement among audiences for what this year's ceremony may entail.
Interestingly, the upcoming Oscars will also be shaped through his past experiences. Notably, during the 2006 Emmys, O’Brien humorously attempted to control the ceremony's length by locking comedian Bob Newhart inside an air-tight box filled with only three hours of air. Such bizarre and hilariously inventive moments have led many to speculate on what kind of antics he might bring to the Oscars stage.
Not only is O’Brien expected to entertain with his variety of comedy, but his appointment also signals a possible shift away from politically charged discussions, especially relevant considering recent years of Oscar ceremonies embroiled with social tensions. Many past hosts like Jimmy Kimmel have turned to political jabs, often reflecting the atmosphere energized by figures like former President Donald Trump. O’Brien, on the other hand, lacks the same animosity or history of clashes with Trump, allowing him to bring humor without the weight of controversy metaphorically overhead. Indeed, O’Brien once noted on Kara Swisher’s podcast how the state of political comedy has shifted due to the outrageousness found within political events, likening it to trying to parody something already too bizarre to mock. He quipped, "It’s like parodying The National Enquirer."
Looking ahead to March 2, 2025, with the ceremony set to take place live from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and broadcast across the globe, the anticipation is palpable. The Academy, facing viewership challenges, hopes O’Brien's fresh approach can breathe life back not only to the awards show but also to the overall cinematic celebration. They aim for the night to be reflective of Hollywood's best achievements, celebrating truly brilliant films from the past year.
With the excitement building and expectations soaring, O’Brien is set to deliver what could be one of the most memorable Oscar nights to date, ensuring laughter prevails amid the glitz and glamour of Hollywood's biggest affair.
It is undoubtedly, after years of ups and downs, about time the Academy invited Conan O’Brien to curate the humorous spirit of the Oscars. Instead of facing another potentially stiff ceremony, audiences can expect something entertaining, engaging, and truly authentic to the spirit of American entertainment.
