After turning to comedian Jimmy Kimmel for the past two years, the Academy Awards will switch things up by selecting Conan O’Brien as the host for their upcoming show.
O’Brien, known for his quick wit, announced the news with a humorous statement: “America demanded it and now it’s happening: Taco Bell’s new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. In other news, I’m hosting the Oscars.” This will be his first time hosting the prestigious event, although he has hosted other major awards shows in the past, including the Emmy Awards in 2002 and 2006, as well as the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in 1995 and 2013.
The 95th Academy Awards will air live on ABC on March 2, 2025. O’Brien, a late-night television veteran, is best known for hosting shows like Late Night with Conan O’Brien, The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien, and Conan. Before his TV career, he was a writer for Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons.
O’Brien follows a long list of notable Oscar hosts, including Johnny Carson, Billy Crystal, David Letterman, Whoopi Goldberg, Chris Rock, Jon Stewart, Hugh Jackman, and Neil Patrick Harris.
Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group, expressed excitement over O’Brien’s selection, saying, “He joins an iconic roster of comedy greats who have hosted the Oscars, and we are thrilled to have him take center stage for the event.”
Since stepping away from late-night television in 2021, Conan O’Brien has focused on other projects, including his popular podcast Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend and a spinoff travel series for Max streaming service, Conan O’Brien Must Go.