Renowned comedian and late-night television star Conan O'Brien will host the 97th Academy Awards, marking his debut as the master of ceremonies for Hollywood's most prestigious night. The highly anticipated event will air live from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles, broadcasting on ABC at 7 pm ET (4 pm PT).
O'Brien steps into the role following Jimmy Kimmel, who has hosted the event four times. In his signature comedic style, O’Brien 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.”
Who is Conan O'Brien?
Best known for his tenure in late-night television, O’Brien has helmed “Late Night with Conan O'Brien,” “The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien,” and “Conan.” With nearly three decades in the industry, he became the longest-working active late-night host in 2015.
Beyond his late-night legacy, O'Brien has hosted the Emmy Awards twice and was a writer for iconic shows such as “Saturday Night Live” and “The Simpsons.” Now 61, he joins a prestigious lineup of past Oscars hosts, including Johnny Carson, Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg, and Chris Rock.
Over the years, the Oscars stage has been graced by numerous comedy greats. Bob Hope holds the record with 19 hosting appearances, while Billy Crystal led the ceremony nine times. Other notable hosts include David Letterman, Hugh Jackman, Neil Patrick Harris, and Ellen DeGeneres, whose star-studded selfie in 2014 became the most retweeted image of its time.
While some hosts have delivered memorable performances, others have faced criticism. The 2012 ceremony, co-hosted by Anne Hathaway and James Franco, was widely panned as an awkward attempt to appeal to younger audiences. In 2019, the Academy went without a host after Kevin Hart withdrew due to controversy over past remarks. The hostless format returned in 2022, but the event was overshadowed by Will Smith’s infamous on-stage altercation with Chris Rock.
With his quick wit and extensive television experience, O’Brien is expected to bring a fresh, engaging energy to the Oscars, as Hollywood’s biggest names gather to celebrate cinematic excellence.
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