Movie buffs listen up! The biggest movie party of the year the Oscars is almost here. This time around we have got a brand new host ready to take the stage comedian Conan O'Brien. Yep the late-night legend himself is going to be running the show for the 97th Academy Awards. Let's get into why Conan and what else to expect from the big night.
Why Conan? Fresh Face and Funny Bone for the Oscars Stage
Conan O'Brien is stepping into some big shoes taking over from Jimmy Kimmel who hosted the Oscars four times. But let's be real Conan is comedy royalty. He spent almost thirty years making us laugh on late-night TV with shows like "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien" and just "Conan". He knows how to handle a crowd and deliver the jokes.
When the announcement was made Conan had a classic Conan-esque response. He joked "America demanded it and now it's happening: Taco Bell's new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. In other news I'm hosting the Oscars." That's the kind of self-deprecating humor we can expect right?
This is Conan's first time hosting the Oscars but not his first awards show rodeo. He previously hosted the Emmys a couple of times so he's got experience with these big Hollywood events. Before becoming a TV star he was a writer for "Saturday Night Live" and "The Simpsons". The guy knows comedy and he knows show business.
Joining the Oscar Host Hall of Fame: Conan and the Legends Before Him
Conan is now part of an impressive club of Oscar hosts. Think about names like Johnny Carson Billy Crystal David Letterman Whoopi Goldberg Chris Rock Jon Stewart Hugh Jackman and Neil Patrick Harris. That's a seriously talented bunch. Disney Television Group president Craig Erwich even said Conan "joins an iconic roster of comedy greats" and they are "lucky to have him center stage."
Hosting the Oscars is a pretty big deal but it can also be a tough gig. Some hosts have done it many times like Bob Hope who holds the record with 19 times. Others have had memorable moments like Ellen DeGeneres' famous selfie. But it is not always easy. Some hosting attempts have been criticized and in recent years there have been controversies and last-minute host changes. Some even call it "the least wanted job in Hollywood". But Conan seems ready to embrace the challenge even if he admits he is "terrified".
Conan's Oscar Prep: Fear Humor and a Letter from E.B. White?
Conan is not taking this job lightly. He says hosting the Oscars is "the thing I wake up and think about at night". He is genuinely excited but also "thoroughly worried". He wants to "tackle this" in a way that makes him "creatively happy".
He has been preparing for months working with a team of writers including some of his own and Oscar veterans. He is trying out jokes at comedy clubs to see what works. Even for a comedy pro like Conan he says "there is no formula". It is all about trying things out and seeing how people react.
Interestingly Conan's prep for the Oscars has happened during a personally tough time. His parents both passed away recently and then he had to evacuate his home due to the Los Angeles wildfires. Amidst all that chaos he still focuses on the Oscars. When asked what to save from his home during the evacuation he thought of a letter from author E.B. White he received as a teenager. That letter is now hanging in his hotel room a reminder of meaningful things even amidst the stress.
What to Expect on Oscar Night: Wildfires Nominees and Performances
The 2025 Oscars ceremony is happening on Sunday March 2nd at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. It will be broadcast live on ABC in the US starting at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT). UK viewers can catch it on ITV and ITVX from 22:30 GMT.
Given the recent devastating wildfires in Los Angeles expect the show to acknowledge what the city has been through. Producer Lynette Howell Taylor who herself lost her house in the fires said there will "definitely be recognition" and ways to donate and support those affected. But she also emphasized that "ultimately the show will be about the celebration of the movies of the year like it is every year."
Expect a star-studded night with many of the nominees attending. Presenters include Halle Berry Whoopi Goldberg Robert Downey Jr Cillian Murphy Emma Stone and more. Performers include Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande who will do a medley and other artists like Doja Cat Lisa from Blackpink Queen Latifah and Raye. This year the original song nominees will not perform but Erivo and Grande's Wicked performance is expected to be a highlight.
The Films in the Spotlight: Top Nominees and British Hopefuls
Several films are leading the pack this year. Spanish-language musical Emilia Pérez has a whopping 13 nominations. Other top contenders include The Brutalist and Wicked with 10 nominations each and Conclave with eight. These are all in the running for Best Picture along with Anora A Complete Unknown Dune: Part Two I'm Still Here and Nickel Boys.
Keep an eye on the Best Actress race which is looking tight with Demi Moore Mikey Madison and Fernanda Torres as contenders. Best Actor might be between Adrien Brody and Timothée Chalamet. Supporting categories also have frontrunners like Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldaña. It has been ten years since #OscarsSoWhite and there is some diversity among nominees this year but progress is still ongoing.
British talent is also well-represented. Cynthia Erivo could achieve EGOT status if she wins Best Actress. Ralph Fiennes Felicity Jones and Sir Elton John are also flying the flag for the UK along with animation legends Wallace and Gromit who are nominated for Best Animated Feature.
Ready for Conan's Oscars? Tune In and See What Happens
So there you have it. Conan O'Brien is hosting the 2025 Oscars and it is shaping up to be an interesting night. With a new host top films in contention and a backdrop of real-world challenges it will be an Oscars ceremony to remember. Tune in on Sunday March 2nd and see what Conan brings to the stage and who takes home the golden statues. It is Hollywood's biggest night and you won't want to miss it.