The 97th Annual Academy Awards: A Night to Remember with Conan O’Brien

The 97th annual Academy Awards are just around the corner, and this year’s ceremony promises to be one of the most unforgettable and hilarious editions in recent history, thanks to the legendary Conan O’Brien taking the reins as host. Known for his wit, charm, and ability to turn even the most mundane moments into comedy gold, Conan is ready to bring his unique brand of humor to the Oscars stage. In a sneak peek shared exclusively by Us Weekly, Conan shared his excitement and plans for the show, leaving fans eagerly anticipating March 2, 2025, when the ceremony will air live on ABC.

Conan O’Brien: The Host with a Vision for Fun and Chaos

Conan O’Brien, the 61-year-old comedy legend, has hosted numerous awards shows throughout his illustrious career, but he admits that the Oscars represent the pinnacle of hosting gigs. “It’s the one you dream about hosting when you’re a child… as long as the pay is good. I’m looking into that,” he joked in a preview clip. True to his playful nature, Conan hinted at some unexpected and hilarious moments during the ceremony, including a playful tease about being shirtless and oiled on stage—a twist that he humorously suggested might “hurt the program incredibly.”

While Conan is known for his lighthearted humor, he also brought a sentimental touch to the conversation. Reflecting on his years of hosting experience, he shared a valuable lesson: “Mistakes aren’t mistakes.” Instead, he believes that moments when things go off the rails are where the real magic happens. “That’s where the real memorable moments happen, on late-night and on the Oscars,” he explained. Conan’s ability to embrace spontaneity and turn mishaps into comedy gold is one of the reasons fans and producers alike are so excited to see him take the Oscars stage.

Behind the Scenes: Producers Praise Conan’s Unique Talent

The excitement for Conan’s hosting gig isn’t just coming from fans—it’s also shared by the Oscars’ executive producers. Katy Mullan, one of the masterminds behind this year’s ceremony, called Conan “the real deal,” praising his talent, skills, and ability to bring a fresh, exciting energy to the show. “He’s got that warmth and wit, but he’s also got that little edge, so he brings the unexpected,” she said. “I think people are really excited to see what that means when he takes the Oscars stage this year.”

Echoing Mullan’s sentiments, executive producer and showrunner Raj Kapoor emphasized Conan’s creative vision for the ceremony. “It’s not only, like, little host segments, but he has this creative vision of how he’s going to bring everybody along throughout the evening,” Kapoor said. Conan’s involvement in the show’s creative direction is a testament to his passion for delivering a memorable experience for both the audience and the nominees.

A Star-Studded Year: The Films and Nominees of 2025

This year’s Oscars ceremony isn’t just about Conan’s antics—it’s also about celebrating some of the most incredible films of the past year. Leading the pack is Emilia Pérez, which has earned an impressive 13 nominations, making it the film to beat in 2025. Close behind are The Brutalist and Wicked, each with 10 nominations. All three films are vying for the coveted Best Picture award, alongside other standout titles like Anora, A Complete Unknown, Conclave, Dune: Part Two, I’m Still Here, Nickel Boys, and The Substance.

The competition is fierce, and fans are eagerly waiting to see which films will take home the prestigious golden statuettes. With such a diverse and talented lineup of nominees, the 97th Oscars promise to be a celebration of cinematic excellence and creativity.

Tuning In: When and Where to Watch the Oscars

For those eager to witness Conan’s hosting debut and the unveiling of this year’s winners, the 97th annual Academy Awards will air live on ABC on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET. With Conan at the helm and an incredible roster of films and nominees, this year’s ceremony is shaping up to be an unforgettable night of glamour, humor, and celebration.

A Night of Laughter and Celebration: The Legacy of Conan’s Hosting Debut

While Conan O’Brien is no stranger to hosting high-profile events, his Oscars debut marks a significant milestone in his career. With his unique blend of wit, charm, and spontaneity, he is set to bring a fresh and exciting vibe to the ceremony. From his hilarious teasers about shirtless moments to his heartfelt reflections on the importance of embracing mistakes, Conan is ready to make this year’s Oscars a night to remember.

As the countdown to March 2 continues, fans are buzzing with excitement. With Conan’s humor, the producers’ creative vision, and an incredible lineup of films and nominees, the 97th annual Academy Awards promise to be a celebration of talent, creativity, and the magic of cinema. Whether you’re a die-hard movie fan or just tuning in for the laughs, this year’s Oscars are an event you won’t want to miss.