Conan O’Brien to Host the 97th Academy Awards: What to Expect from the Legendary Comedian at the 2025 Oscars
The Academy Awards are known for celebrating the best in film, but the host can often make or break the show. For the 97th Academy Awards, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has tapped Conan O’Brien to take the stage as host, marking his first time emceeing Hollywood’s biggest night.
With a career spanning decades in television, late-night comedy, and live event hosting, O’Brien’s selection signals a return to a more comedic and lighthearted Oscars presentation. But what can audiences expect from his hosting gig? Will his signature humor and quick wit breathe new life into the ceremony? Let’s take a deep dive into everything you need to know about Conan O’Brien hosting the 2025 Oscars.
Why Conan O’Brien is the Right Choice for the Oscars Host
The Academy has long struggled to find the perfect host, with some years producing unforgettable moments and others falling flat. Conan O’Brien brings a unique blend of comedy, charisma, and live television experience, making him an ideal pick for an event that requires humor, spontaneity, and the ability to handle unpredictable moments.
O’Brien is no stranger to hosting major televised events. He has previously hosted the Emmy Awards in 2002 and 2006, both of which were met with critical acclaim for their comedic timing and engaging presentation. His sharp sense of humor and self-deprecating style have made him a beloved figure in entertainment, and fans are excited to see how he will translate his late-night antics to the grand Oscars stage.
What Conan O’Brien Brings to the Oscars Stage
1. A Fresh Comedic Perspective
Conan O’Brien is one of the most celebrated late-night hosts, known for his intelligent yet absurd humor. Unlike traditional stand-up comedians, his comedy is a mix of witty monologues, physical comedy, and unexpected improvisation.
With the Oscars sometimes being criticized for being overly serious or dragging in length, O’Brien’s comedic chops could bring much-needed energy to the ceremony. Audiences can expect his signature self-deprecating jokes, light roasting of Hollywood elites, and maybe even a few viral comedy sketches featuring some of the biggest stars in attendance.
2. Decades of Live TV Experience
Hosting the Oscars is a challenging task. The host must keep the audience entertained, handle unexpected moments, and smoothly transition between segments. O’Brien has spent nearly 30 years in television, hosting Late Night with Conan O’Brien, The Tonight Show, and Conan on TBS, proving his ability to navigate live programming with ease.
Unlike some previous hosts who struggled with awkward silences or flat jokes, O’Brien’s experience with live TV ensures he can pivot quickly and keep the momentum going, even if something doesn’t go as planned.
3. A Love for Film and Hollywood
While some past hosts have been comedians with little connection to Hollywood, O’Brien has always expressed a genuine love for movies. He frequently interviewed top-tier actors and filmmakers on his late-night shows and even made several cameo appearances in films and TV series. His deep appreciation for cinema will likely make him a host who can both honor the industry while keeping things fun and engaging.
What We Know About the 97th Academy Awards So Far
While details are still emerging about the 2025 Oscars, a few things have been confirmed:
Date & Venue: The 97th Academy Awards will take place on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California.
Live Broadcast & Streaming: The ceremony will be broadcast live on ABC, with Hulu offering a streaming option for the first time.
New Format Changes: The Academy has hinted at shorter speeches, more engaging performances, and a focus on making the ceremony feel less predictable.
With O’Brien at the helm, the show is expected to feature unique comedic segments, possibly pre-taped sketches or interactive moments that break the traditional Oscars format.
How Fans & Celebrities Are Reacting to Conan O’Brien Hosting the Oscars
Since the announcement of Conan O’Brien as the Oscars 2025 host, social media has been buzzing with excitement. Many fans believe that his quick wit and satirical edge are exactly what the show needs after years of safe but forgettable hosting performances.
Celebrity Reactions:
Jimmy Kimmel, who hosted the 2023 and 2024 Oscars, jokingly tweeted: “Conan hosting? Finally, the Oscars might be funny again.”
Will Ferrell posted on Instagram: “I expect nothing less than a tap-dancing, joke-filled monologue. Don’t let us down, Conan.”
Jennifer Lawrence, known for her sense of humor, told E! News: “I can’t wait. Conan is a legend. I’m hoping he roasts us all.”
Even Seth Meyers and Stephen Colbert, both longtime friends and competitors in the late-night scene, shared their support for O’Brien, hinting at potential cameo appearances during the show.
Will Conan O’Brien Bring Back the Tradition of Great Oscars Hosts?
The Academy Awards have struggled with finding a consistent host in recent years. The show has gone hostless several times (2019, 2020, 2021) and has experimented with multiple hosts (2022). Some years have featured memorable performances (Billy Crystal, Hugh Jackman, Jimmy Kimmel), while others have fallen flat (Anne Hathaway & James Franco in 2011).
Conan O’Brien has the potential to revitalize the role of the Oscars host. His experience, ability to connect with audiences, and unique sense of humor could set a new standard for future ceremonies. If he delivers a strong performance, he might even become a recurring host in the same way Billy Crystal and Johnny Carson were in their eras.
Final Thoughts: What to Expect on Oscars Night
With Conan O’Brien as the host, the 97th Academy Awards are shaping up to be one of the most entertaining Oscars in years. His mix of intelligent humor, Hollywood charm, and spontaneity makes him an exciting choice.
Here’s what we’re likely to see:
✅ A hilarious opening monologue full of clever jabs at Hollywood and its biggest stars.
✅ Surprise comedic sketches featuring famous actors.
✅ Unscripted moments that go viral.
✅ A more lively and entertaining show that doesn’t feel overly long or boring.
The 2025 Oscars will be a must-watch event, and if Conan O’Brien’s track record in entertainment is anything to go by, audiences are in for an unforgettable night of comedy, glamour, and surprises.
