The Academy just announced next year's Oscars host, and he's a first-timer!
According to Entertainment Weekly, formerĀ Late NightĀ andĀ Conan talk show host Conan O'Brien will host the 97th Annual Academy Awards for the first time in his career. The beloved TV host commented on the honor in a press statement quipping:
"America demanded it and now it's happening: Taco Bell's new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. In other news, I'm hosting the Oscars."
O'Brien is slated to replace Jimmy Kimmel who hosted the Oscars in both 2023 and 2024. Kimmel actually turned down an invitation to host for a third consecutive year this summer, stating:
"It's hard and it's a lot of work and the show suffers a little bit to be honest. When I'm focused on the Oscars, I'm less focused on the show. And I just decided I didn't want to deal with that this year. It was just too much last year."
The Academy also asked SNL legend John Mulaney to host, but the star politely declined.
While this is O'Brien's first time hosting the Academy Awards, he is no stranger to award show duties. The comedian hosted the White House Correspondents' DinnerĀ in 1995 and 2013, and The Emmy Awards in 2002 and 2006, per Entertainment Weekly.
The 2025 Oscars will take place on Sunday, March 2, with Conan O' Brien claiming center stage to kick off the show.