Conan O'Brien has officially been chosen to host the 97th Academy Awards, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Friday. The beloved comedian, 61, will take the helm for Hollywood's biggest night on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. The ceremony will be broadcast live on ABC to over 200 territories worldwide.

O’Brien, who has had a long television career, transitioned from hosting a late-night talk show to leading the popular podcast Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend. He also heads his podcasting empire, Team Coco. With a background as a writer for Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons, O'Brien has earned 31 Emmy nominations, winning five.

“We are thrilled and honored to have the incomparable Conan O’Brien host the Oscars this year,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang in a statement. “With his brilliant humor, love of movies, and live TV expertise, he is the perfect person to help us celebrate film and filmmakers in a way only he can.”

O’Brien, known for his wit, responded humorously: “America demanded it and now it’s happening: Taco Bell’s new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. In other news, I’m hosting the Oscars.”

In a playful video posted on the Academy’s X account, O’Brien was handed an Oscar and joked he had won it, only to be informed off-camera that he was just hosting the show.

The 96th Oscars were hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, who reportedly declined the invitation to return for the 97th. John Mulaney, who hosted the Academy’s 2023 Governors Awards, also passed on hosting the Oscars.

Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, producers of the 96th and 97th Oscars, praised O’Brien's qualities, stating, “He’s witty, charismatic, funny, and has mastered live event television. We can’t wait to work with him to create a fresh, exciting show for Hollywood’s biggest night.”

Craig Erwich, President of Disney Television Group, echoed this excitement, saying, “Conan’s distinctive humor and perspective make him a perfect fit for the Oscars. We’re lucky to have him join the iconic list of comedy greats who have hosted the show.”