Renowned comedian and TV personality Conan O’Brien has been announced as the host of the 97th Academy Awards, set to take place on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The news was shared by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on November 15, with CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang expressing their excitement:
“We are thrilled and honored to have Conan O’Brien host this year’s Oscars. With his charming humor, love for cinema, and exceptional broadcasting expertise, he is the perfect choice to lead this global celebration of film. O’Brien’s unique ability to connect with audiences aligns perfectly with the Oscars’ mission to honor the incredible movies and filmmakers of the year.”
This marks O’Brien’s debut as the host of the Oscars, although he has previously helmed prestigious events like the Emmy Awards (2002, 2006) and the MTV Movie Awards (2014). His extensive experience as a late-night talk show host further fuels expectations for a memorable Oscars ceremony.
Craig Erwich, President of Disney Television Group, highlighted O’Brien’s qualifications: “Conan O’Brien is an outstanding comedic voice who has thrived for decades with his humor and unique perspective. He now joins the ranks of legendary comedians who have hosted the Oscars. We are incredibly fortunate to have him at the center of this year’s show.”
Event producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan also praised the decision: “O’Brien possesses all the qualities of a phenomenal Oscars host. He’s witty, engaging, humorous, and a master of live broadcasting. We look forward to working with him to deliver a fresh, exciting, and unforgettable Hollywood evening.”
Born in 1963, Conan O’Brien is celebrated for his self-deprecating humor and innovative comedic style. Starting his career as a writer for Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons, O’Brien gained fame hosting late-night shows like Late Night with Conan O’Brien, The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien, and Conan.
Over his career, he has earned 31 Emmy nominations, winning five. Since stepping away from talk shows in 2021, O’Brien has hosted the podcast Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend and the travel show Conan O’Brien Must Go.
The Oscars will air live on ABC, with O’Brien stepping into the role previously held by Jimmy Kimmel, who hosted the ceremony in 2017, 2018, 2023, and 2024. Kimmel declined a fifth hosting opportunity, citing the need to balance his focus on personal projects.
