Conan O’Brien has been announced as the host for the 97th annual Academy Awards.
The former chat show host, 61, will helm Hollywood’s biggest night for the first time in March 2025.
Demonstrating his signature deadpan humour, O’Brien said of the gig: “America demanded it and now it’s happening: Taco Bell’s new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme.”
He added: "In other news, I’m hosting the Oscars."
Late-night presenter Jimmy Kimmel, 57, hosted the Academy Awards in 2023 and 2024 but reportedly declined to return for 2025, according to People.
Comedian John Mulaney, who was a presenter at the 2024 ceremony, also allegedly passed on the gig.
O’Brien has emceed other high-profile awards shows, like the Emmy Awards in 2002 and 2006 and the White House Correspondents’ dinner in 1995 and 2013.
He is best known for hosting the late-night talk shows Late Night with Conan O’Brien, The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien, and Conan.
He started his career as a writer for Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons.
Discussing O’Brien’s hosting duties, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang said they are "thrilled and honored to have the incomparable" presenter on board.
“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," they continued.
"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.”
A host of famous faces were reportedly approached to host the night, Deadline reported in October.
Stars like Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, and Dwayne Johnson were all said to be in the running to front the televised ceremony.
Previous Oscars hosts include Johnny Carson, Billy Crystal, David Letterman, Whoopi Goldberg, Chris Rock, Jon Stewart, Hugh Jackman, and Neil Patrick Harris.
The 2025 Academy Awards will be held at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences on March 2 – a week earlier than the 2024 ceremony.
