In a groundbreaking double achievement for comedy royalty, Conan O'Brien has been confirmed as host of the 97th Academy Awards airing March 2025 , while simultaneously preparing to receive the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at Washington D.C.'s Kennedy Center this October . This unprecedented pairing of honors cements O'Brien's status as one of entertainment's most enduring forces.
From Late Night to Oscar Night
The newly released Oscars promo shows O'Brien rehearsing self-deprecating monologue jokes in front of empty Dolby Theatre seats, quipping: "They told me hosting requires walking… good thing I've spent 30 years running from cancellation threats!" . This marks his first major awards hosting gig since leaving late-night television in 2021.
Comedy's Highest Honor
The Mark Twain Prize announcement comes exactly 15 years after Time named O'Brien one of its 100 Most Influential People. Kennedy Center officials praised his "unique blend of intellectual wit and absurdist physical comedy that redefined American humor across three decades" . Previous recipients include Tina Fey, Dave Chappelle, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
Recent Projects Fuel Momentum
- HBO Max Travel Series: "Conan O'Brien Must Go" (2024) continues his Emmy-winning international documentary format
- Podcast Empire: "Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend" remains top-ranked across platforms with 200M+ downloads
- Film Return: Voice role in upcoming animated feature "If I Had Legs I'd Kick You" (2025)
"Conan represents comedy's perfect paradox – a Harvard-educated intellectual who isn't afraid to look ridiculous," said comedy historian Kliph Nesteroff. "These dual honors prove smart and silly aren't mutually exclusive."
Social Media Erupts
The announcements sparked over 480K tweets in 24 hours, with #CocoAtTheOscars trending globally. Notable reactions:
| Celebrity | Reaction |
|---|---|
| Seth Meyers | "Finally someone who'll make Oscar losers laugh through their tears" |
| Aubrey Plaza | "Petition for Conan to host in full 'Late Night' pale suit from 1993" |
| The Academy | "We needed someone who could handle both Streep and stray cats backstage" |
Industry insiders suggest these honors position O'Brien for potential EGOT status, with his Grammy-nominated comedy albums and multiple Emmy wins already checked off . As Hollywood prepares for its biggest night, all eyes await what the gangly ginger genius will unleash next.
