Comedian Conan O’Brien to host 2025 Oscars

Comedian Conan O’Brien has been announced as the host of the 2025 Academy Awards, marking his first time emceeing the prestigious event. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences revealed the news, with O’Brien set to lead Hollywood’s biggest night on March 2, 2025.

O’Brien, 61, is known for his quick wit and offbeat humor, and his appointment to host the Oscars has generated excitement across the entertainment industry. In a statement, he humorously teased the announcement, saying, “America demanded it and now it’s happening: Taco Bell’s new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. In other news, I’m hosting the Oscars.”

This will be O’Brien’s debut as the host of the Academy Awards, following two years of Jimmy Kimmel at the helm. Kimmel, a late-night television staple, has hosted the Oscars four times over the past eight years. However, after a search for a new emcee, O’Brien’s extensive background in live television and comedy made him the ideal choice for the role.

Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang shared their excitement over O’Brien’s appointment, calling him “the perfect person to help lead our global celebration of film.” In their statement, they added, “His brilliant humor, his love of movies, and his live TV expertise will bring audiences together to honor the spectacular films and filmmakers of this year.”

O’Brien’s comedy career spans decades, making him one of the most well-known figures in late-night television. He is a multiple Emmy Award-winning writer and producer, having spent years as the host of Late Night with Conan O’Brien, The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien, and Conan. Prior to his hosting career, O’Brien was a writer for Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons, where he honed his comedic talents and developed his sharp, irreverent style.

In addition to his extensive late-night hosting experience, O’Brien has served as the host of major award shows before. He has twice emceed the Emmy Awards and hosted the MTV Movie Awards. O’Brien also had the honor of hosting the White House Correspondents’ Dinner on two separate occasions, showcasing his ability to engage with both large live audiences and television viewers at home.

In recent years, O’Brien has ventured into the podcast world with Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, where he engages in humorous and often candid conversations with celebrities and friends. The podcast has garnered a strong following, further cementing O’Brien’s reputation as a versatile and beloved entertainer.

The decision to choose O’Brien follows reports that several other high-profile figures turned down the opportunity to host the Oscars this year. Comedian John Mulaney and Jimmy Kimmel both reportedly declined offers to take on the role in 2025. Other celebrities, including Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, and Dwayne Johnson, were also said to have been approached for the job, according to Deadline. However, it seems O’Brien’s unique comedic style and experience made him the perfect fit to host Hollywood’s most glamorous night.

The 97th Academy Awards will take place on March 2, 2025, in Hollywood, California, and will be broadcast live. As the host, O’Brien will be responsible for guiding the ceremony, delivering jokes, and keeping the audience engaged as the best in film are honored. With his experience in live television and his mastery of comedic timing, O’Brien is expected to bring a fresh and entertaining dynamic to the show.

The Oscars, long known for their blend of glitz, glamour, and high-stakes moments, have often been a platform for hosts to showcase their humor and engage with audiences. O’Brien’s sharp wit and endearing personality are expected to bring a unique energy to the ceremony, which often combines heartfelt tributes to the film industry with moments of levity and humor.

Fans of O’Brien and the Academy Awards are already looking forward to what promises to be a memorable evening. With O’Brien at the helm, the 2025 Oscars are set to be a night of laughs, surprises, and unforgettable moments as the film industry celebrates its biggest achievements.

O’Brien’s appointment also marks a significant change for the Academy Awards after years of more traditional hosting choices, showing the Academy’s openness to different comedic voices. O’Brien’s humorous and sometimes irreverent style could bring a refreshing twist to the usual Oscars format, creating an evening that will be talked about for years to come.