Conan O’Brien has been announced as the host of the 97th annual Academy Awards, scheduled to air live on March 2, 2025, on ABC. The 61-year-old comedian and former late-night host will take center stage at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood, marking his debut as Oscars emcee.
In his signature style, O’Brien quipped, “America demanded it and now it’s happening: Taco Bell’s new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. In other news, I’m hosting the Oscars.” The announcement was made by Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang, who described O’Brien as “the perfect person to help lead our global celebration of film with his brilliant humor, his love of movies, and his live TV expertise.”
Craig Erwich, President of Disney Television Group, commended O’Brien’s comedic voice and decades-long success. “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.
The decision to select O’Brien follows reports of other celebrities, including Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, and Amy Poehler, declining the role. The 2025 Oscars executive producers, Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, expressed their excitement, stating, “Conan has all the qualities of a great Oscars host—he is incredibly witty, charismatic, and funny.”
The ceremony, which honors the best films and filmmakers of the year, will be broadcast live at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. Fans and industry insiders alike are anticipating a fresh and celebratory take on Hollywood’s biggest night under O’Brien’s guidance.
