Comedian and late-night television icon Conan O’Brien is set to host the Oscars for the first time, as announced by ABC. This monumental decision marks a new chapter for the 2025 Academy Awards, which will take place on March 2 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. O'Brien’s extensive experience and distinctive comedic style have generated excitement among fans and industry insiders alike, eager to see how he will navigate the pressures of one of Hollywood’s biggest nights.
ABC, the network broadcasting the ceremony, shared the news with complete enthusiasm. "America demanded it, and now it’s happening: Taco Bell’s new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. And on top of this culinary excitement, I’m hosting the Oscars," O’Brien quipped, showcasing his signature wit. This will be the first time O’Brien takes the reins as the Oscars host, following the exit of Jimmy Kimmel, who facilitated the event in both 2023 and 2024.
While O'Brien has conquered the late-night talk show scene for over two decades, from 'Late Night with Conan O'Brien' to 'The Tonight Show,' this prestigious hosting role presents both opportunities and challenges. O’Brien first gained recognition as a writer on iconic shows such as Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons. He is currently hosting the successful podcast "Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend" and recently starred in the travel show "Conan O’Brien Must Go," which has been renewed for another season.
The excitement surrounding O’Brien's hosting gig is palpable. Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group, emphasized his impact on the comedic world by stating, "Conan is a preeminent comedic voice whose decades-long success is marked by his distinctive humor and perspective. His hosting will bring fresh energy to the Oscars.” This sentiment is echoed by Oscars executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, who praised O’Brien as someone who has "all the qualities of a great Oscars host." They noted his experience and ability to engage audiences will deliver entertainment worthy of such a prestigious event.
While O’Brien is stepping up to the plate, it’s important to highlight the hosts who have come before him. Jimmy Kimmel, who has hosted multiple Oscars, decided to step down, sharing his thoughts on the extensive preparation required for the event. “I know how much work goes
into [the Oscars], so I thought, ‘Yeah, I don’t necessarily want to do this ever again,’” Kimmel explained candidly. His departure creates space for fresh talent and new perspectives, with O'Brien ready to instill his unique flair.
The Oscars, widely regarded as the pinnacle of cinematic celebration, will be aired live on ABC and across more than 200 territories globally. The official red carpet stream is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 PM ET, leading up to the main event at 7 PM ET. This timing permits fans to immerse themselves in the glitz and glamour leading to the award presentations.
Audiences anticipate a captivating ceremony filled with humor, drama, and tributes to the films of the past year. With O'Brien at the helm, expectations are high for both laughter and heartfelt moments. His comedic prowess is sure to shine through as he navigates through the celebrations and peaks of tension typical of live broadcasts. The host's ability to engage the audience, both live and at home, will be pivotal for this year’s occasion.
Notably, the Oscars have experienced several memorable moments throughout history, some deepened by the charisma of their hosts. O'Brien’s humorous approach might provide the perfect blend of comedy and reverence needed to celebrate the film industry. O'Brien's storied career offers extensive experience with live television, including the highs and lows befitting various occasions. Given his history, audiences can speculate on how he will tackle inevitable challenges, such as balancing humor against the gravity of honoring excellence in filmmaking.
Fans and industry professionals alike will be tuning in to witness whether O’Brien can match, or even surpass, the legacies of previous hosts. Names like Regina Hall, Wanda Sykes, and Amy Schumer—who co-hosted the Oscars 2022—have set the standard high with their diverse approaches and unique ability to handle the event’s fluctuated style, humor, and sometimes controversial moments.
Recent news hinted at the challenges of finding suitable hosts, as both Jimmy Kimmel and comedian John Mulaney dropped the opportunity to host this year’s Oscars. Kimmel, who has hosted the event multiple times, voiced his thoughts on the exhaustive work put forth during Oscars preparation, sparking discussions on the pressures faced by individuals taking on such elaborate roles.
O’Brien’s humor has the potential to lighten the atmosphere during the ceremony, fostering laughter even when darker stories emerge. The tone he sets could create either levity or poignant reflections, drawing audiences close. His interactions with nominees and presenters are anticipated to be lively, inventive, and perhaps even push boundaries, leaving viewers with unforgettable experiences—whether it might be through his comedic timing, unexpected guests, or behind-the-scenes shenanigans.
Looking back at previous Oscars, each host has left their indelible mark on the ceremony. For example, Chris Rock, who hosted back-to-back ceremonies from 2016 to 2023, was noted for his sharp take on contemporary issues, whereas Ellen DeGeneres’ memorable 2014 hosting brought warmth and comfort through playful antics and relatable humor. The unique dynamics of O'Brien's brand, complete with comedic quips, satire, and anxiety-inducing moments, raise anticipation around Oscars this year.
For O’Brien, hosting this prominent event is not merely about the glitz and the glamour; it’s also about connection—a theme woven through his body of work. He's known for effortlessly bridging gaps and drawing common ground across diverse audiences, aligning with the Oscars' goal of honoring films celebrated across varied demographics. Given all the fuss, whether or not he lives up to the hype remains the big question everyone seems to be asking.
O’Brien's humorous teaser about Taco Bell alongside the Oscar announcement hints at his characteristic style—a mix of absurdity, lightheartedness, and showbiz charm. With millions of eyes on him, his comedic vision will be the lens through which viewers will experience Hollywood’s most awaited night. Fans have valued O’Brien’s brand of humor and wit for years; now, they’re curious to see how he will translate those skills to the Oscars stage.
With high hopes for successful performances, audiences will be waiting eagerly to see how O’Brien executes his role as host of the 2025 Oscars. Each element serves to raise exciting questions about how he might surprise viewers, win over those unfamiliar with him, and honor the artistic contributions of filmmakers and actors globally. Whether this will become his moment of triumph or another stepping stone toward reinvention remains to be seen.
