Conan O'Brien is set to step onto the grand stage of the Oscars as the host for the first time, taking over the prestigious role from Jimmy Kimmel, who has been at the helm for the previous two ceremonies held in 2023 and 2024. The 97th Academy Awards, officially dubbed the 2025 Oscars, will take place on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre located in Hollywood, Los Angeles.
O’Brien, known for his quick wit and humor, is no stranger to the spotlight. After retiring from late-night television in June 2021, the comedian has kept himself busy with various projects, including his well-loved podcast, "Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend," and the travel series "Conan O'Brien Must Go," which aired on HBO. Despite his extensive experience, this will mark his debut as the Oscars host, injecting fresh energy and excitement for the night.
Reflecting on his life experiences, O'Brien has often spoken about the transformative nature of parenthood—something he passionately touched upon during his podcast episodes. Describing it as, "[Parenthood is] such a profubd change in your life. Everything goes from black and white to color. Everything goes from one dimension to nine dimensions," he emphasizes how this shift brings depth and joy to life. This perspective might play beautifully with his hosting duties, providing both heart and humor throughout the event.
O’Brien shares two children with his wife, Liza Powel O'Brien, whom he married in 2002. Liza, who is also known for her work as a playwright and podcast host, has her own unique voice and story. She hosts the "Significant Others" podcast, where she explores the lives of individuals connected to historical figures. Their daughter, Neve, born in 2003, and son, Beckett, born 2005, are both described by O’Brien as "very smart" and "very good people." During his podcast, he fondly recounted his experience taking Neve to the Coachella music festival where they discovered new music together.
Beckett has showcased his own remarkable talents from a young age. O'Brien proudly noted, "I mean, he was literally, reprogramming my phone when he was 3. He could reach over and hit a few buttons and then suddenly, it wasn't a phone anymore. It was a blender," showcasing not only Beckett's technical skills but also the pride O'Brien takes as a father.
Transitioning to the Oscars night itself, the evening is set to be filled with memorable moments and laughter, all under O'Brien's guidance. Industry experts have commented on the challenges of hosting such a grand event. Bruce Vilanch, who has written for numerous Oscars, states, "No one needs to host the Oscars if you’re famous enough and rich enough," capturing the paradox of why celebrities choose to take on this demanding responsibility.
The Oscars, often seen as the pinnacle of Hollywood achievement, bring together the best and brightest talents from the film industry, with heavy hitters like "Emilia Pérez" leading the nominations list with 13 nods. Stars such as Halle Berry, Emma Stone, and Selena Gomez are already confirmed as presenters, ensuring the night is filled with glitz, glamour, and anticipation.
O’Brien's humor and charm are expected to shine, making for an engaging night filled with good-natured fun. His track record of connecting with audiences should serve him well as he navigates the expectations and pressures of this high-profile role.
With the Oscars drawing closer, fans and industry insiders alike are buzzing with excitement over O'Brien's first-time hosting gig. It brings his career full circle, reintroducing him to audiences on one of cinema's biggest nights. Every joke and comment will be closely watched and reviewed, making it imperative for O'Brien to strike the right balance between humor, sincerity, and the overall celebratory spirit of the awards.
The stage is set for what could be one of the most memorable performances at the Oscars yet.