Conan O’Brien set to host 97th Academy Awards as Jimmy Kimmel steps down

Former talk show host Conan O’Brien is set to take the stage as the host of the 97th annual Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, marking his debut in this prestigious role. The announcement was made today, signaling a new chapter for the comedian.
Conan steps into a role previously held by fellow late-night personality Jimmy Kimmel, who hosted the Oscars for two years but turned down the opportunity for a third stint. In a statement regarding his new gig, Conan quipped, “America demanded it and now it’s happening: Taco Bell’s new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. In other news, I’m hosting the Oscars.”
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang expressed their excitement about Conan’s upcoming role, saying they are “thrilled and honored to have the incomparable” comedian as the host.
They praised Conan’s “brilliant humor, love of movies, and live TV expertise,” adding that “he is the perfect person to help lead our global celebration of film.”
They anticipate that Conan’s unique ability to engage with audiences will be key in bringing people together to celebrate the year’s outstanding films and filmmakers.
“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 both 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.””America demanded it and now it’s happening: Taco Bell’s new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme,” Conan said in a statement about the opportunity. “In other news, I’m hosting the Oscars.”
Before Conan landed the role, the prestigious position was up for grabs.
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On the Politickin’ podcast, hosted by Gavin Newsom, Marshawn Lynch, and Doug Hendrickson, he expressed his reluctance to “deal with that this year” because “it was just too much last year.”Despite the show going well, he decided to take a breather.He also mentioned that Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show “suffers a little bit” when he’s on Oscars duty. Comedian John Mulaney was rumored to be the next host, but he quashed these rumors in an August interview with comedian Langston Kerman and Vulture, stating he was “not doing that.”