The Academy Names New Host For 97th Oscars

Comedian Conan O’Brien has been named as the host for the 97th Oscars. This will mark his first time helming the iconic awards show.

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“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,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang shared in a statement, per Variety. “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.”

Conan O’Brien’s debut will come after Jimmy Kimmel’s two-year reign as the Oscar’s host. Overall, Jimmy has hosted four times. Along with his recent sting, he also hosted in 2017 and 2018.

After the Academy announced its pick, Conan replied in his true funny-man fashion.

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

Several iconic comedians have also led the Oscars in the past, including Bob Hope, Jon Stewart, David Letterman, and Chevy Chase. According to the president of Disney Television Group, Craig Erwich, passing the torch to Conan was an easy choice.

“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,” he said in a statement.

The 97th Oscars ceremony will air on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET.

This story’s featured image is by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images.