Conan O’Brien to host 2025 Academy Awards

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that comedian Conan O’Brien will serve as the host for the 2025 Oscar awards. This marks O’Brien’s first time leading the biggest night on the US entertainment calendar, following two consecutive years with late-night television star Jimmy Kimmel in the role. In a Friday statement, O’Brien humorously acknowledged his new position, saying, “America demanded it and now it’s happening: Taco Bell’s new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. In other news, I’m hosting the Oscars.” The 97th Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled to air on 2 March from Hollywood, California. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang issued a joint statement, asserting that “[O’Brien] 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 further stated, “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 61-year-old comedian is an Emmy-award winning writer and producer. He spent years as a late-night television host for programs including “Late Night with Conan O’Brien”, “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien”, and “Conan.” Prior to these roles, he worked as a writer for both Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons. His hosting experience includes twice leading the Emmy Awards and the MTV Movie Awards. O’Brien also twice emceed the White House Correspondents dinner. He currently hosts the popular podcast, Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend. Media reports indicate that both Kimmel, who has hosted the Oscars four times in the past eight years, and comedian John Mulaney reportedly declined offers for this year’s hosting gig. Earlier this year, Deadline reported that other personalities, including Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, and Dwayne Johnson, were also approached to host.