Conan O’Brien, the Emmy-winning comedian renowned for his late-night presence, has officially been announced as the host for the 97th Academy Awards set to take place on March 2, 2025. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirmed this significant milestone on Friday, marking O’Brien’s inaugural appearance as the Oscars host. Known for his unique humor and live television expertise, O’Brien's selection is anticipated to inject both excitement and freshness to Hollywood's most glamorous night of the year.
Expressing his characteristic wit, O’Brien remarked, “America demanded it and now it’s happening: Taco Bell’s new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. Now, you guessed it, I’m hosting the Oscars.” This quip not only showcases his humor but also signals the playful tone audiences can expect from the ceremony. Bill Kramer, the Academy CEO, along with Janet Yang, the Academy President, stated, “We are thrilled and honored to have the incomparable Conan O’Brien host the Oscars this year,” underscoring the excitement surrounding his appointment.
Over the years, O’Brien has established himself as one of the most recognizable faces on late-night television. His various shows, including "Late Night with Conan O’Brien," "The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien," and "Conan," have secured him pivotal status within the industry. Despite never having hosted the Oscars, O’Brien's extensive experience shines through as he brings over two decades' worth of television hosting skills and comedic prowess to the role.
The Academy made this announcement following two consecutive years under the helm of previous host Jimmy Kimmel. Kimmel, having hosted the Oscar ceremony four times, reportedly declined the opportunity to return for the 97th show, which opened the door for speculation about his successor. With discussions hinting at the possibility of multiple hosts sharing duties, O’Brien’s selection came as somewhat of surprise among fans and industry insiders.
Despite being named the sole host, O’Brien’s approach reflects the Academy's desire for comic relief without the more overt political humor commonly associated with other late-night hosts. Historically, shows hosted by comedians often address political issues, yet with Donald Trump back in the spotlight, there’s been a push to take Oscar hosting away from such contentious territory. This contrasts sharply with previous hosts such as Kimmel or Stephen Colbert, who utilized their platforms to comment on political happenings.
Within the impeccable lineup of past Oscar hosts, O'Brien's comedic voice stands out distinctly. With numerous accolades and memorable television moments under his belt, including successful stints at the Emmy Awards and the MTV Movie Awards, he brings with him both charisma and authenticity. The Academy's choice reflects their broader objective to revitalize interest and engagement with the Oscars, particularly as ratings have fluctuated over the past few years.
Academy executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan expressed their excitement as well: “Conan has all the qualities of a great Oscars host — he is incredibly witty, charismatic and funny and has proven himself to be a master of live event television.” Their confidence suggests viewers can expect innovation during the ceremony, as O’Brien's comedic timing and ability to connect with audiences are well-documented.
Previous hosts are often remembered for their scripted one-liners and elaborate setups, but O’Brien’s history with live audiences could result in spontaneous moments and memorable improvisation. He has frequently been described as unpredictable, which is precisely the temperament needed to keep viewers engaged throughout the event.
His past experience as a writer for “Saturday Night Live” and “The Simpsons” has certainly shaped his comedic style, enabling him to appeal to diverse audiences across the globe. O’Brien’s enthusiasm for cinema and film will likely shine through, guiding viewers through the ceremony’s celebration of artistic and cinematic achievements.
The Oscars will be broadcast live from the esteemed Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood, reaching millions of viewers across more than 200 territories worldwide. With the event set to start at 7 p.m. ET, O’Brien is expected to lead the festivities for what promises to be not only a glamorous evening honoring cinema but also one filled with laughter and cherished television moments.
Looking forward to the event, O’Brien’s past television adventures have included popular vehicles such as his podcast "Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend," which showcases his interviews with luminaries from the film industry. Such interactions only amplify his love for film, positioning him as someone who deeply resonates with both filmmakers and audiences alike. His appreciation for cinematic works will likely influence how he approaches the hosting role.
The forthcoming Oscars could also potentially highlight nominated films such as Sean Baker’s "Anora," Jon M. Chu’s "Wicked," and Ridley Scott’s "Gladiator II." With such promising contenders on the slate, the ceremony will not only be entertaining but also significant for celebrating cinematic excellence.
Following his nomination successes—31 Emmy nominations and five wins—O’Brien’s accolades solidify his standing within the entertainment community. His background as both host and writer has uniquely positioned him to blend humor with respect for the artistry of cinema, promising viewers a night of refined entertainment interspersed with high spirits.
While Oscar night typically garners glitz and glamour, O’Brien’s hosting will undeniably introduce his offbeat charm to the event, creating memorable moments even amid the pressures of live television. With the Academy betting on his success, Conan O’Brien is ready to take the reins of Hollywood’s biggest night and guide viewers through yet another exciting chapter of the Oscars saga. So mark your calendars, as the excitement builds up for March 2, 2025—the night when the laughter is sure to echo through the Dolby Theatre.