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The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Tuesday that comedian and former late-night host Conan O’Brien will be hosting the 97th Academy Awards, to air live on March 2, 2025. It will be O’Brien’s first time leading the Oscars, after Jimmy Kimmel hosted the previous two years.
O’Brien took the announcement with his usual sense of humor, releasing a statement that joked about Taco Bell’s latest menu item before bragging about his selection. The Emmy Award-winning writer, 61, is no stranger to quick wit, TV expertise and general love of cinema, having headed shows such as Late Night with Conan O’Brien and Conan. And he's no stranger To awards shows, having hosted the Emmys and the MTV Movie Awards twice apiece.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang praised O’Brien’s ability to connect with global audiences, highlighting his humor and charisma as ideal for celebrating the year’s cinematic achievements. The ceremony, to be held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, promises a blend of entertainment and reverence for filmmaking excellence.
Reports say O’Brien wasn’t the first choice of the Academy. Comedians such as John Mulaney and previous Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel declined offers, while other celebrities including Ryan Reynolds, Amy Poehler, and Dwayne Johnson were also considered.
Die-hard fans and insiders alike predict that O’Brien’s brand of humor and experience will bring a breath of fresh air to Hollywood’s biggest night. And with excitement building, the Academy’s choice underlines its attempts to balance tradition and innovation while reaching an as-wide-as-possible audience.
O’Brien’s recruitment ensures the Oscars will be in the capable hands of a late-night host for at least the third year running after two years helming the show from Jimmy Kimmel. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
O’Brien is best known for his two-decade tenure as a late-night host, spanning shows such as Late Night with Conan O’Brien, The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien and Conan. Before his rise in late-night television, he made a career as a writer for NBC’s Saturday Night Live and Fox’s The Simpsons. He currently hosts the popular podcast Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend and recently starred in the travel show Conan O’Brien Must Go. Over his career, O’Brien has been nominated for 31 Emmys, winning five.
The Oscars are set to unfold at the Dolby Theatre, Ovation Hollywood, with a live broadcast across more than 200 territories in the world. This year's crop could be decidedly more diverse, ranging from the likes of Sean Baker’s dramedy Anora, to Jon M. Chu’s musical Wicked and Ridley Scott’s epic sequel Gladiator II. The live broadcast will take place on ABC and on several international outlets, on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. A red carpet preshow will air 30 minutes prior to the beginning of the ceremony at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.
