Conan O’Brien to host 97th Academy Awards

Conan O’Brien will host the upcoming Academy Awards.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Tuesday that Conan O’Brien, a former late-night host, writer, producer, and comedian who has won an Emmy, will host the 97th Academy Awards.

In an attempt to select a host who will create excitement without going overboard, the Academy Awards’ organizers have replaced Jimmy Kimmel, a current late-night comedian, with Conan O’Brien, a past one.

After serving as emcee for two years in a row alongside Jimmy Kimmel, this is O’Brien’s first time hosting. The ceremony, which attracted over 20 million viewers, recently won an Emmy for outstanding variety special (live).

O’Brien responded to the news with his usual humor. The new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme from Taco Bell is finally available, as America has requested. He said, “In other news, I’m hosting the Oscars.”

Academy President Janet Yang and Academy CEO Bill Kramer released a statement on Friday, expressing their excitement and honor at having the incomparable Conan O’Brien host the Oscars this year. “With his great sense of humor, passion for movies, and experience with live television, he is the ideal person to help lead our global celebration of film.” His extraordinary ability to engage audiences will unite viewers to celebrate this year’s outstanding films and filmmakers, which is what the Oscars do best.

Disney Television Group President Craig Erwich emphasized O’Brien’s fit for the position. “Conan’s unique humor and perspective have contributed to his decades-long success, making him a leading comedic voice,” Erwich stated. “We are extremely fortunate to have him on stage for the Oscars, as he joins a legendary list of comedy greats who have performed in this capacity.”

O’Brien is most renowned for hosting late-night shows including “Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” “The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien,” and “Conan” for two decades. He had a career as a writer for Fox’s “The Simpsons” and NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” prior to his ascent in late-night television. He recently starred in the travel program “Conan O’Brien Must Go” and is the host of the well-liked podcast “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend.” O’Brien has won five Emmys and has 31 nominations during his career.

More than 200 countries will watch the Oscars live from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood.