"One of the funniest human beings who has ever lived": Netizens react as Conan O'Brien's set to host the Oscars in 2025
On Friday, November 15, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and its broadcasting partner, ABC, announced that comedian Conan O'Brien will host the Oscars in 2025. For the first time, the comedian will serve as the host of the 97th Academy Awards, which will take place at the Dolby Theatre on March 2, 2025, at 4 p.m. PT.
The event's previous host, Jimmy Kimmel declined to host the award ceremony, so the comedian and former late-night host took up the charge for the first time. Stating the same, as per Guardians’ November 15 report, Conan O'Brien said in a statement:
“America demanded it and now it’s happening: Taco Bell’s new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme… In other news, I’m hosting the Oscars.”
Now, once the news of Conan O'Brien hosting the award show went public, netizens took to X to react on the same. They are elated that Conan is taking on the role and said that he is one of the “funniest human beings.”
“It’s crazy to me that it’s taken this long to get Conan O’Brien to host the Oscars. One of the funniest human beings who has ever lived,” wrote one X user.
Others also shared a similar sentiment as one said that Conan O'Brien is probably one of the best “late night talk show hosts.” Another person said that they will be watching the Oscars only for Conan.
“I love Conan.. Other than Craig Ferguson, probably the best of the late night talk show hosts..,” praised one X user.
“My chances of watching the Oscars went from absolutely 0% to 50%. Conan is by far the greatest talk show host of the XXI century...," commented another X user.
“Conan O'Brien hosting the 97th Oscars? That’s going to be a hilarious night! His wit and humor will bring a fresh vibe to the ceremony...," said another one.
While many supported Conan O'Brien and praised him, others criticized the ex-host, Jimmy Kimmel. Most of them alleged that Kimmel was not a funny host.
“It took us 4 Jimmy Kimmels to finally get here,” wrote one X user.
“Thank god it's not Jimmy Kimmel again,” said one X user.
“Finally we are free of Jimmy Kimmel and get a Funny Host,” claimed another one.
Jimmy Kimmel passed the baton to Conan O'Brien
Kimmel has hosted the Oscars four times, including the most recent two after hosting the ceremonies in 2017 and 2018. He recently explained why he chose not to host the awards this year in an episode of the Politickin podcast on August 12:
“I did two years and it went well. I did another two years, it went well. I figured I’d take a little break… When I’m focused on the Oscar, I’m less focused on the show.. And I just decided I didn’t want to deal with that this year. It was just too much last year.”
On the other hand, as per Variety’s report from the same day, the Academy's president, Janet Yang, and CEO, Bill Kramer, issued a joint statement:
“We are thrilled and honored to have the incomparable Conan O’Brien host the Oscars this year. 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 further said:
"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.”
According to the same report, Disney Television Group President Craig Erwich emphasized that Conan O'Brien would be the best fit for the position and said:
“Conan is a preeminent comedic voice, whose decades-long success is marked by his distinctive humor and perspective… 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.”
On the other hand, the Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 2, 2025 and will air live on ABC in more than 200 countries worldwide.