Conan O'Brien is finally getting his big break at the Oscars, but not in the way you might expect. The two-time Emmy Awards host, late-night legend, and beloved podcast star is stepping into the grandest stage of them all—the Academy Awards. And why? Well, his answer is as classically Conan as it gets.
“I’ve never even been invited, to be honest,” O'Brien admitted in a news conference for the Oscars’ creative team on Wednesday. “I only agreed to host so that I could get invited.” And just like that, he’s not only getting a seat at the biggest night in Hollywood, but he’s also running the whole show.
Rolling Out the Red Carpet—Literally
The 97th Academy Awards, airing Sunday on ABC (7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT), will be an evening filled with glitz, glamour, and of course, Conan’s signature humor. At 61, O'Brien is embracing the role with full enthusiasm—so much so that he even helped roll out the famous red carpet. And in true Conan fashion, after helping, he promptly laid down on it.
O’Brien is known for his self-deprecating charm and quick wit, and this Oscars gig gives him the perfect playground to showcase both. “This is going to be a night to remember,” he teased. “Mostly because I’ll be forcing everyone to remember it.”
A Show with Meaning—Honoring Los Angeles and Navigating Politics
While the Oscars are first and foremost about celebrating the magic of movies, this year’s ceremony will also acknowledge the world beyond Hollywood. O'Brien shared that he won’t shy away from addressing the political climate, though he promises the show won’t turn into a series of divisive monologues. “As the host, I can’t ignore the moment we’re in,” he said. “But we’re threading the needle—we have to celebrate film and keep the night uplifting.”
One way the show will do just that is by honoring the resilience of Los Angeles, a city recently shaken by devastating wildfires. Executive producer Raj Kapoor revealed that there will be special moments throughout the night dedicated to the community. “That’s a very important theme,” Kapoor said. “We’re making sure LA’s spirit shines through.”
And O'Brien is embracing that spirit, quite literally wearing it. He enlisted LA-based tailor High Society to craft his tuxedo for the evening—an experience he described as life-changing. “It’s the nicest thing I’ve ever put on in my life,” he gushed. “It even has my name stitched inside. But apparently, I still don’t get to keep it. I’m 6-foot-4. Who else is going to fit into it? John Tesh?”
Getting Advice (and Stuck with the Bill) from Past Hosts
Hosting the Oscars is no small task, and O'Brien took his prep seriously—by reaching out to those who’ve done it before. One of his biggest inspirations? Billy Crystal. “He’s the all-time great,” O'Brien said. “In my opinion, he mastered hosting the Oscars.”
Not every conversation went smoothly, though. When he met with four-time Oscars host Jimmy Kimmel, things took an unexpected turn. “Jimmy insisted on going to a ridiculously expensive restaurant,” Conan recalled. “He ordered the priciest seafood appetizers and then stuck me with the bill.”
But not all was lost. Kimmel’s wife, Molly McNearney, who has written for the Oscars in the past, turned out to be the real MVP of the meeting. “Molly is the genius there,” O'Brien said. “Meanwhile, Jimmy was busy with crab claws flying everywhere. He even brought a bucket to take some home.”
Bringing the Energy: Dance, Music, and Big Performances
A great Oscars night isn’t just about the awards—it’s about the spectacle. And this year, fans can expect an extra boost of excitement, thanks to choreographer Mandy Moore (no, not that Mandy Moore). The mastermind behind Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour choreography and the unforgettable “I’m Just Ken” number from last year’s Oscars, Moore is back to bring even more electric performances.
While she won’t be recreating the “Kenergy” from Ryan Gosling’s 2024 performance, Moore promises an evening packed with vibrant, high-energy routines. “It’s the Oscars,” she said. “I grew up watching this in my small-town Colorado living room. It’s imprinted in my brain. Every time I get to be here, it’s a dream come true.”
The Perfect Host for Hollywood’s Biggest Night
With his quick humor, deep respect for the art of film, and undeniable charisma, Conan O'Brien is poised to make this Oscars one to remember. Whether he’s poking fun at himself, rolling around on the red carpet, or delivering heartfelt moments that honor the film industry and beyond, one thing is certain—this show will be anything but ordinary.
So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready for a night of celebration, laughter, and maybe even a few unexpected surprises. After all, with Conan at the helm, you never quite know what’s going to happen—but you know it’ll be entertaining.
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