Conan O’Brien is set to host the 97th Academy Awards in 2025, as confirmed by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Friday. The celebrated comedian and former late-night talk show host will take on this significant role, following in the footsteps of Jimmy Kimmel, who hosted the prestigious event for two consecutive years. The Oscars ceremony, airing live on ABC from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, will take place on Sunday, March 2, 2025.
For Conan O’Brien, this marks a new milestone in his career. Although he has hosted numerous high-profile events over the years, this will be his first time leading the Academy Awards. Known for his wit, sharp humor, and impeccable timing, O’Brien is expected to bring a fresh, comedic perspective to the prestigious occasion. His long-running stint as the host of “Conan” made him a household name, and his unique style of humor has earned him a loyal fanbase. O’Brien’s ability to entertain a wide audience with clever quips and self-deprecating humor makes him an ideal choice for such a high-profile event.
In a joint statement, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang praised O’Brien for his impressive background and his ability to engage with viewers. “He is the perfect person to help lead our global celebration of film with his brilliant humor, his love of movies, and his live TV expertise,” they said. “His remarkable ability to connect with audiences will bring viewers together to do what the Oscars do best–honor the spectacular films and filmmakers of this year.”
The announcement of Conan O’Brien as the host of the Oscars comes after two successful years of Jimmy Kimmel hosting the event. Kimmel, known for his sharp humor and insightful commentary, hosted the ceremony in 2023 and 2024, after previously taking on the role from 2017 to 2018. However, with the 97th Oscars approaching, the Academy has chosen O’Brien to bring a new energy and comedic flair to the ceremony.
The 97th Oscars will see the film industry’s finest gather to celebrate the achievements of the past year. The nominations for the Oscars, which highlight the best in acting, directing, writing, and cinematography, will be announced ahead of the ceremony, generating widespread anticipation among film lovers worldwide. As the host, O’Brien will play a central role in shaping the tone of the evening, ensuring that the event remains entertaining while also honoring the artistic achievements of filmmakers and actors.
Throughout his career, Conan O’Brien has demonstrated his versatility as a host and performer. He has built a reputation for his ability to create humorous sketches, conduct celebrity interviews, and make light of the latest pop culture trends. His presence at the Oscars will undoubtedly offer a lighter and more approachable atmosphere, appealing to both seasoned moviegoers and casual viewers alike.
Beyond his late-night career, Conan O’Brien has also shown a deep appreciation for the world of cinema. In various interviews and appearances, he has expressed his love for movies and his admiration for filmmakers. O’Brien’s passion for film, coupled with his comedic expertise, makes him an ideal host for an event that honors the artistry and creativity of filmmakers from around the globe.
The 97th Academy Awards will take place in March 2025, and fans of Conan O’Brien and the Oscars are already eagerly anticipating his performance. With O’Brien at the helm, the 2025 ceremony is expected to be filled with laughter, unexpected moments, and heartfelt tributes to the best films and filmmakers of the year.
As the countdown to the Oscars begins, all eyes will be on Conan O’Brien as he prepares for his big debut as host of the Academy Awards. With his wealth of experience in live television and his distinct sense of humor, O’Brien is poised to deliver a memorable night for audiences worldwide. The Oscars in 2025 promise to be an unforgettable celebration of cinema, with Conan O’Brien leading the charge.
Conan O’Brien’s appointment as the host of the 97th Academy Awards has already stirred excitement in the entertainment world. His long history of engaging with audiences on late-night television has earned him a reputation for being a master of timing and wit. O’Brien’s comedic style is widely regarded as unique and self-aware, which sets him apart from other hosts who have come before him. His unpredictable sense of humor, often blending surrealism with sharp commentary, has made him a beloved figure in comedy. This makes his role as the host of the Oscars a highly anticipated one, with fans eager to see how he will infuse the evening with his distinct voice.
Beyond his comedic skills, Conan O’Brien’s deep understanding of pop culture also makes him well-suited to host the Oscars. As someone who has worked in the entertainment industry for decades, O’Brien has interacted with countless celebrities and has a keen understanding of the dynamics of Hollywood. This knowledge will likely come in handy during the ceremony, as he can easily balance lighthearted humor with moments of sincerity when honoring the achievements of the nominees. His ability to connect with both the industry’s biggest stars and the public ensures that the Oscars will feel both intimate and expansive, inviting viewers into the world of cinema.
The announcement of Conan O’Brien as the host also marks a shift in the type of humor expected at the Oscars. In recent years, the Academy Awards has faced criticism for being too formal or out of touch with younger audiences. O’Brien’s humor is rooted in self-awareness, and his ability to poke fun at both the industry and pop culture makes him an excellent choice for revitalizing the show’s dynamic. His irreverent humor has the potential to inject the Oscars with a refreshing, more relaxed vibe, catering to a younger demographic that has been increasingly tuning into award shows for the entertainment as much as for the accolades.
In addition to his successful career as a comedian, O’Brien’s wide-reaching appeal has been evident through his various ventures outside of late-night television. His podcast, Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, has been a huge success, attracting millions of listeners who appreciate his candid interviews with celebrities. Through the podcast, O’Brien has connected with an even broader audience, offering insights into his personal life, his career, and his deep affection for the entertainment world. His versatility, both in front of and behind the camera, ensures that he is capable of handling the pressure of hosting one of the most watched events in the world.
The 97th Oscars will also be an important one for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, especially after recent challenges the award show has faced in terms of viewership. In an era where social media and streaming platforms have reshaped how people engage with media, the Academy Awards has struggled to keep pace with younger, more tech-savvy audiences. By choosing Conan O’Brien as host, the Academy is signaling a desire to rejuvenate the show, embracing a more accessible and modern tone. O’Brien’s ability to connect with people across various platforms makes him an ideal bridge between traditional Hollywood and the digital age.
The Oscars have long been a prestigious occasion for the film industry, but in recent years, the pressure has been on to make the event more inclusive and entertaining. Conan O’Brien, with his unique brand of humor and his expansive knowledge of both Hollywood and the world outside of it, is well-positioned to rise to this challenge. As the 97th Academy Awards draws closer, expectations for the evening’s entertainment value will undoubtedly continue to build.
For Conan O’Brien, hosting the Oscars is not only a new challenge but also an opportunity to showcase his versatility. Known for his work in various comedic genres, O’Brien is expected to craft an experience that blends traditional Oscar glamour with his signature comedic edge. With his sharp wit and affable nature, O’Brien’s role as host is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and memorable in recent Oscar history. The 97th Academy Awards, set to air in March 2025, will undoubtedly be a night to remember, thanks to Conan O’Brien’s unique flair.