Conan O'Brien Brings Comedy to the 97th Academy Awards

TV comedian Conan O'Brien took the helm as host of the 97th Academy Awards, which took place on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood, Los Angeles. The event marked a significant night as the nominees vied for prestigious accolades. O'Brien succeeded fellow funnyman and late-night TV icon Jimmy Kimmel, who had previously hosted the Oscars four times.

O'Brien's Humor and Musical Number

In a statement announcing his role as host, O'Brien quipped, "America demanded it and now it's happening: Taco Bell's new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. In other news, I'm hosting the Oscars." True to his comedic style, the host kept the show flowing smoothly and injected humor throughout the broadcast, even entertaining the audience with a musical number where he sang about not wasting their time.

The ceremony was broadcast on ABC, highlighting the glitz and glamour of the night. The film "Anora" emerged as a major winner, taking home five awards, including the coveted title of best picture. The industry is abuzz with discussions about the winners, and the full list is available for those eager to catch up on the achievements of the night.

Conan O'Brien: A Familiar Face in Entertainment

Conan O'Brien, a prominent figure in the world of late-night television, is well-known for hosting shows like "Late Night with Conan O'Brien," "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien," and "Conan." With nearly three decades of experience as a late-night host, the now 61-year-old O'Brien made history in 2015 by becoming the "longest-working current late-night talk show host" in the U.S. after David Letterman's retirement, as reported by TBS. Though this was O'Brien's first stint as an Oscar host, he has previously taken on similar roles for other high-profile award shows, including the Emmys in 2002 and 2006. Before becoming a household name, O'Brien made his mark as a writer for renowned shows such as "Saturday Night Live" and "The Simpsons."

A Legacy of Iconic Oscar Hosts

By taking on the role of Oscar host, O'Brien joined the ranks of legendary figures in the field, including Johnny Carson, Billy Crystal, David Letterman, Whoopi Goldberg, Chris Rock, Jon Stewart, Hugh Jackman, and Neil Patrick Harris. Craig Erwich, president of the Disney Television Group, expressed excitement over O'Brien's involvement, stating, "He joins an iconic roster of comedy greats who have served in this role, and we are so lucky to have him center stage for the Oscars."

The Shifting Landscape of Oscar Hosting

Oscar hosting has seen its fair share of ups and downs, with some choices garnering widespread praise while others receive mixed reviews. Notably, when Anne Hathaway co-hosted with James Franco in 2012, the event was met with criticism for its perceived attempts to appeal to a younger audience. In 2018, the Hollywood Reporter labeled the role of Oscars host as "the least wanted job in Hollywood," following Kevin Hart's withdrawal from the 2019 hosting duties amid controversy. This led the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to forgo having a host for the first time in three decades, a departure from tradition that persisted until 2022 when Regina Hall, Amy Schumer, and Wanda Sykes co-hosted. However, that year's show was overshadowed by a controversial incident involving Will Smith and Chris Rock onstage.