The Oscars are making a bold move this year with a new emcee for the 97th ceremony. While some fans cheer the decision, critics are voicing their doubts about his suitability for Hollywood’s biggest night.
An Emmy-winning comedian and former late-night host is set to take center stage as host of the 97th Oscars. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the news on Friday, igniting mixed reactions online.
Conan O’Brien speaks onstage during Warner Bros. Discovery Upfront 2024 on May 15, 2024, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
The announcement came via the Academy’s Instagram page, featuring a playful video of Conan O’Brien holding an Oscar statuette. In the clip, he beams with excitement, jokingly calling himself an “Oscar winner.” A voice off-camera quickly corrects him, clarifying he’s a host, not a winner.
Alongside the short clip, the caption read, “Conan O’Brien is officially your 97th Oscars host! Tune into the biggest night in Hollywood on Sunday, March 2nd at 7e/4p, LIVE on ABC! #Oscars.”
While some celebrated the choice, others weren’t so thrilled. Social media buzzed with blunt critiques. One commenter wrote, “That’s a shame,” while another said, “Oh… it’s going to be awful.” Some even vowed to skip watching the event altogether.
Others took a more cautious approach, acknowledging O’Brien’s humor could swing either way. “This can go really amazing or it can go extremely wrong,” one user noted.
A fan comment dated Friday 15, 2024 | Source: Instagram/entertainmenttonight
The comments kept rolling in, and many didn’t hold back. One person declared they “won’t watch” because they “can’t stand O’Brien’s humor.” The person doubled down, reminiscing about the time Jay Leno returned to “The Tonight Show” after O’Brien “bombed,” but conceded that younger audiences might find his style amusing.
Another commenter seemed puzzled, writing, “So they’re moving away from the tradition of having someone funny host.” Others chimed in with sharp takes, with one claiming they’d “have a headache that night,” and another predicting, “He’ll be a disaster. He has a weird sense of humor.”
Conan O’Brien pictured at the 26th Annual Beat The Odds Awards, 2016, Beverly Hills, California. | Photo: Getty Images
The critiques didn’t stop there. “He isn’t funny. He’s rather annoying,” one user said. Another quipped, “Just because you look ridiculous doesn’t make you funny.” Someone else expressed their disappointment asking, “An actual good choice for the Oscars? “
Conan O’Brien visits SiriusXM at SiriusXM Studios on May 17, 2023, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Amid the backlash, some fans embraced The Academy’s choice, calling it a refreshing change. One chimed in with, “May we finally be blessed with a host who doesn’t hate movies.”
Another noted they were relieved not to endure another year of Jimmy Kimmel’s monologues about movies being “too long and boring,” adding that O’Brien would bring much-needed energy.
A fan comment dated on November 15, 2024 | Source: X/theo_nychus37
It seems O’Brien has his supporters ready to cheer him on come Oscar night. The comedian’s journey to hosting the 97th Oscars is a testament to his long-standing impact on comedy and entertainment.
Best known for his 25-year tenure as a late-night host, O’Brien piloted iconic shows like “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien,” and “Conan.” Before conquering late-night television, he sharpened his comedic edge as a writer for “Saturday Night Live” and “The Simpsons.”
Born in Brookline, Massachusetts, O’Brien’s comedic journey began during his time at Harvard, where he served twice as president of The Harvard Lampoon.
His sharp wit and creative talents led him to earn numerous accolades over the years, including four Emmy Awards, six Writers Guild Awards, and a People’s Choice Award for Favorite Television Host.
Conan O’Brien at the HBO & Max Post-Emmy Reception on September 15, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
O’Brien’s resume extends far beyond the late-night desk. He has hosted the Emmy Awards, and MTV Movie Awards, and performed at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner for two U.S. presidents.
His 2010 comedy tour was chronicled in the documentary “Conan O’Brien Can’t Stop,” and he embarked on another multi-city stand-up tour in 2018.
O’Brien celebrated 25 years in late-night in 2018, cementing his place as the longest-serving host in U.S. late-night history. He has now reached a new audience with his popular podcast, “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend,” where he seeks genuine connections through deeper, unfiltered conversations.
This year marks O’Brien’s first turn as Oscar host, taking control after two years of Kimmel hosting the prestigious event. With a legacy defined by quick wit and innovation, O’Brien’s presence promises to bring a fresh energy to Hollywood’s biggest night.
