Conan O’Brien to Host 2025 Academy Awards Amid California Wildfires

LOS ANGELES — As the 97th Academy Awards approach, Conan O'Brien will take the stage as host for the first time on March 2, 2025, amidst the ongoing recovery from devastating wildfires in California.

The ceremony will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, starting at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, and will be broadcast live on ABC to over 200 territories worldwide. In a significant shift, the Oscars will also be streamable on ABC.com for authenticated viewers and on Hulu.

Jacques Audiard‘s “Emilia Pérez” leads this year’s nominations with 13 total nods, followed closely by “The Brutalist” and “Wicked,” each with 10 nominations. Other notable contenders for Best Picture include “Anora,” “Dune: Part Two,” and “I’m Still Here.” With an unusually open field this year, the competition for the coveted Oscar is tight, especially following “Anora”‘s accolades at both the Producers Guild and Directors Guild Awards.

O’Brien, known for his comedic flair and previous hosting experiences at the Emmy Awards and the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, expressed his excitement about the engagement, stating, “We polled America. Shockingly, the response was they want to see Conan O’Brien sing and dance — and I like to be an irritant.”

Presenters this year will include past Oscar winners like Cillian Murphy, Emma Stone, and Robert Downey Jr., along with a star-studded list of actors such as Penélope Cruz, Halle Berry, and Scarlett Johansson. The ceremony promises to feature empowering performances from artists including Doja Cat and Queen Latifah, designed to celebrate the contributions of the filmmaking community.

Organizers emphasized the importance of holding the Oscars amid the fires, viewing it as an opportunity to recognize resilience and the work that unites the global film community. “We want to put a light on the right people in the right way,” O’Brien told The Associated Press. “This year’s show will reflect what’s happening in our community.”

The Academy Awards’ usual activities were affected significantly due to the wildfires, prompting the cancellation of the nominees luncheon. However, the Academy reiterated its commitment to showcasing artistry while acknowledging the devastation felt by many within the film industry.

The annual class photo of Oscar nominees was recently taken at a dinner at the Academy Museum, as part of the awards ceremony’s traditional prelude.

With the Academy Awards just days away, anticipation builds not only for O’Brien’s debut as host but also for the historic moments the night is sure to bring. The combination of relevant social themes and world-class talent will likely make this year’s Oscars a poignant celebration of resilience amid adversity.