Conan O’Brien Announced as Oscars Host: ‘America Demanded It'

Conan O'Brien is giving the people what they want.

The former late-night show host, 61, is set to host the 97th annual Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, marking his first time emceeing Hollywood's biggest night.

“America demanded it and now it’s happening: Taco Bell’s new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme," O'Brien said of the gig, adding: "In other news, I’m hosting the Oscars."

Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang added that they are "thrilled and honored to have the incomparable" O'Brien serve as the host.

“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 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.”

In July, PEOPLE confirmed that Jimmy Kimmel declined to return to emcee the ceremony for what would have been the fifth time.  John Mulaney also declined the gig, a source told PEOPLE at the time. 

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Fellow stars like Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler and Dwayne Johnson had also been approached to host, Deadline reported in October, citing sources.

Craig Erwich, President of Disney Television Group, saluted O'Brien as the host, calling him a "preeminent comedic voice, whose decades-long success is marked by his distinctive humor and perspective."

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"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.”

“Conan has all the qualities of a great Oscars host--he is incredibly witty, charismatic and funny and has proven himself to be a master of live event television,” added Oscars executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan. “We are so looking forward to working with him to deliver a fresh, exciting and celebratory show for Hollywood’s biggest night.”

The 97th annual Oscars will air live Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 7pm ET/4pm PT on ABC from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood.