Conan O’Brien to Host the 97th Oscars

Following much speculation about big names such as Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, the Academy’s producing team has turned to a comedy expert.

Conan O’Brien will host the 2025 Oscar ceremony. Photo: Team Coco.

Preview:

Conan O’Brien will host next year’s Oscars ceremony.
The announcement comes after a lengthy search.
O’Brien has experience with shows such as ‘The Simpsons’ and his own late night output.

Each year –– aside from when a previous host such as Jimmy Kimmel agrees to return –– there is the seemingly long slog for the team behind the Academy Awards in finding a suitable host for the televised ceremony of handing out trophies to some of the best movies and performances of the past year.

Now we finally know who has the job: Conan O’Brien, a man who is best known for his comedy career, his relatively short-lived stint in primetime late-night TV and his resurgence after that.

Conan began his late-night hosting career in 1993, taking over for David Letterman on NBC’s ‘Late Night.’ After an ill-fated, year-long tenure at ‘The Tonight Show’ after replacing Jay Leno in 2009, O’Brien later moved to TBS for ‘Conan,’ which he hosted from 2011 to 2021.

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In recent years, he transitioned from anchoring a late night talk show to hosting a hit podcast, ‘Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend,’ and presiding over a podcasting empire under the banner of Team Coco.

A former writer on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and ‘The Simpsons,’ he has garnered 31 Emmy nominations, five of which resulted in wins.

He’s an interesting choice –– certainly a proven talent in both writing and performing, but perhaps not as well-known as some previous hosts. Still, his job will be to make some initial jokes and keep the ceremony moving and we’re fascinated to see what he comes up with.

Who else was considered for this year’s Oscar ceremony?

(L to R) Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman attend the UK Fan Event of Marvel Studios' 'Deadpool & Wolverine' at Eventim Apollo, London on July 11th, 2024. Photo by StillMoving.Net for The Walt Disney Company Limited.

While the search for a new host is private, there are always leaks and speculation about who might take the stage, following a legacy that has included the likes of Kimmel, Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg, Jerry Lewis, Hugh Jackman and Bob Hope.

This year, while Kimmel was offered the chance to return, he turned it down, and comedian John Mulaney also reportedly passed on the job. There was also talk of Jackman coming back, this time alongside ‘Deadpool and Wolverine’ co-star/pal Ryan Reynolds, but that has not worked out.

AcaConan O’Brien as Oscars host: Conan and the Producers Speak

Conan O’Brien in 'Conan. Photo: TBS.

In his own, inimitable, self-deprecating style, O’Brien had this to say about the choice:

“America demanded it and now it’s happening: Taco Bell’s new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. In other news, I’m hosting the Oscars.”

Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang were more straightforward in their own press release:

“We are thrilled and honored to have the incomparable Conan O’Brien host the Oscars this year. 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. 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.”

Disney Television Group President Craig Erwich had this to say:

“Conan is a preeminent comedic voice, whose decades-long success is marked by his distinctive humor and perspective. He joins an iconic roster of comedy greats who have served in this role, and we are so lucky to have him center stage for the Oscars.”

Finally, this was the comment from Oscars executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan:

“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. We are so looking forward to working with him to deliver a fresh, exciting and celebratory show for Hollywood’s biggest night.”