Comedian Conan O'Brien, best known for his long-running career as a late-night television host, is set to host the Oscars for the first time, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Friday. O'Brien, 61, takes over from Jimmy Kimmel, who hosted Hollywood’s biggest night earlier this year.
The 97th Academy Awards will be held on March 2, 2025, at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. O'Brien, an Emmy-winning comedian, will preside over the ceremony during a pivotal moment for the Oscars as they work to retain and grow their viewership. The most recent Oscars attracted nearly 20 million viewers, a much-needed ratings boost for the event, which has struggled in recent years to compete with streaming platforms and social media.
O'Brien expressed his trademark humor in a statement accompanying the announcement: "America demanded it and now it's happening: Taco Bell's new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. In other news, I'm hosting the Oscars."
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang lauded O'Brien as "the perfect person to lead our global celebration of film." They cited his "brilliant humor, love of movies, and live TV expertise" as key reasons for his selection, adding that his ability to connect with audiences would bring a fresh energy to the event.
Producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan echoed their praise, calling O'Brien "incredibly witty, charismatic, and funny." O'Brien’s years of experience as a writer for Saturday Night Live, host of "The Tonight Show," and creator of the podcast Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend demonstrate his knack for entertaining diverse audiences.
O'Brien’s appointment comes as the Oscars look to maintain momentum after a turbulent few years. In 2022, the ceremony was overshadowed by Will Smith’s infamous slap of Chris Rock on stage, but 2023 saw Kimmel's return and a focus on celebrating film, which helped reestablish the Oscars as a must-watch event.
As O'Brien steps into the role, many are curious to see how his humor and charisma will shape the show. The Oscars have faced criticism in the past for being too long or lacking entertainment value, and O'Brien's comedic timing could reinvigorate the evening.
With Hollywood eagerly anticipating the announcement of nominees and the industry spotlight turning to the Dolby Theatre, O'Brien’s debut as Oscars host promises to bring a blend of humor, respect for cinema, and a touch of unpredictability to the prestigious event.
With AFP
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