Get ready for a comedic spectacle! Comedian Conan O’Brien has been tapped to host the 97th Academy Awards, set to air live on ABC on March 2, 2025.
This marks O’Brien’s first time emceeing the prestigious event. “America demanded it and now it’s happening: Taco Bell’s new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme,” O’Brien joked about the gig. “In other news, I’m hosting the Oscars.”
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang expressed their enthusiasm for O’Brien’s hosting gig. “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,” they said.
O’Brien’s selection comes after several other comedians declined the opportunity. Jimmy Kimmel, who has hosted the Oscars four times, turned down a fifth offer, while John Mulaney also declined the gig. Other names that were floated as potential hosts included Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, and Dwayne Johnson.
Craig Erwich, President of Disney Television Group, praised O’Brien’s comedic talent and his ability to connect with audiences. “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,” Erwich said.
Oscars executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan echoed Erwich’s sentiments. “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,” they said.
The 97th annual Oscars will air live Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 7pm ET/4pm PT on ABC from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood.
