Conan O’Brien, actor, screenwriter, producer and former Emmy Award-winning evening host, has been chosen to host the 97th Academy Awards, which will be celebrated on March 2as announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and reported by Variety.
This is O’Brien’s first time as a presenter. after two consecutive years with Jimmy Kimmel as master of ceremonies. The ceremony also just won an Emmy for best variety special (live), during a ceremony which brought together more than 20 million viewers.
True to form, O’Brien responded to the announcement with humor. “America has been asking for it and now it’s happening: Taco Bell’s new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. Besides, I’m hosting the Oscars,” he said.
“We are thrilled and honored that the incomparable Conan O’Brien will host the Oscars this year,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang said in a joint statement to Variety. “He is the perfect person to help us lead our global celebration of cinema with his brilliant humor, love of cinema and expertise in live television. His remarkable ability to connect with audiences will bring viewers together to do what the Oscars do the best thing: honor that.” the spectacular films and filmmakers of the year.
As US media outlets point out, the series’ executive producers, Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, have also expressed enthusiasm for the choice, highlighting O’Brien’s proven live television skills and sense of unique humor.
“Conan has all the qualities of a great Oscar presenter: He is incredibly witty, charismatic and funny, and has proven himself to be a master of live event television,” they said. “We look forward to working with him to deliver a new, exciting and celebratory show for Hollywood’s biggest night.”
O’Brien is best known for his two decades hosting late night shows such as Late Night with Conan O’Brien, The Tonight Show Starring Conan O’Brien And Conan. Before his rise in late-night television, he forged a career as a screenwriter for Saturday evening live from NBC and The Simpsons by Fox.
He currently hosts the popular podcast Conan O’Brien needs a friend and recently he starred in the travel program Conan O’Brien must go. Throughout his career, O’Brien has been nominated for 31 Emmy Awards, of which he has won five.
The Oscars will take place at the Dolby Theater at Ovation Hollywood and will be broadcast live in more than 200 territories around the world. This year’s film slate is expected to include a wide range of contenders, including Sean Baker’s comedy-drama. Anorathe musical by Jon M. Chu Wicked and Ridley Scott’s epic sequel Gladiator II.
