Conan O'Brien dazzled audiences with his debut hosting gig at the 2025 Academy Awards, an event that has not only redefined the role of the Oscar host but also laid the groundwork for his return to the 2026 ceremony. The veteran comedian's performance received accolades, largely credited for bringing in the highest ratings the Academy Awards have seen in the past five years.
Conan's comedy approach was a refreshing change for the Oscars, which have historically struggled to find compelling hosts. His performances effectively balanced humor with the ceremony's gravitas, garnering praise from critics and the public alike. Reviewers highlighted how his self-deprecating style and expertly crafted comedic timing transformed what could have been an ordinary awards ceremony into an engaging spectacle.
“Conan infused the show with positivity at a time when the Oscars were in desperate need of revitalization,” noted The New York Times. His charisma set a new precedent, showing that hosting the Academy Awards could still be an appealing role for major celebrities despite recent reluctance from other stars.
The trend reflects a broader struggle for the Academy, which has not featured an actor as a sole host since Chris Rock in 2016. The past few years have seen a notable absence of A-list personalities at the helm, with many actors declining the opportunity due to the pressures of hosting in the current climate of heightened scrutiny and social media criticism.
Notably, the Oscars went without a designated host for three consecutive years between 2019 and 2021, stemming from the fallout from Kevin Hart's withdrawal after backlash over old tweets. The subsequent attempts to reinstate hosting—such as the effort by Regina Hall, Amy Schumer, and Wanda Sykes in 2022—failed to resonate. Following these events, Jimmy Kimmel stepped in as a safe choice for two consecutive years, marking a return to familiar territory.
But Conan's appearance has reignited discussions about the role of hosts at high-profile award shows. Various actors and comedians have been approached only to turn down the proposals. Emily Blunt candidly stated, “I would not host the Oscars. That would be the depths of hell for me,” further suggesting the sentiment around the hosting gig's difficulty.
A growing perception among actors is that hosting has transformed into a “thankless job,” exacerbated by the social media backlash that often follows performances. Rob Lowe criticized this shift, indicating, “They’ve got nobody to blame but themselves.” Members of the industry now see hosting as an uphill battle fraught with the risk of severe criticism.
For Conan, participating in the 2025 Oscars marked an exciting return to the forefront of a ceremony that relies on capturing public interest. The Academy's choice to bring in a comedian at a time when A-listers have been hesitant signifies a shift in strategy, possibly foreshadowing a trend where comedic hosts become the new norm.
Indeed, other award ceremonies have followed suit, with Nikki Glaser recently earning acclaim as the host of the Golden Globes. Offering a fresh, engaging perspective, Conan's return should contribute significantly to the anticipated success of the 2026 Oscars.
In summary, Conan O'Brien's successful hosting debut at the 2025 Academy Awards has sparked hope for the future of hosting at major awards shows. As the Academy looks to rebuild its public image and attract larger audiences, embracing comedic talent like Conan may prove to be key in reclaiming the Oscar's prestige and maximizing viewer engagement.
