Comedian Conan O'Brien to host Oscars / Photo: VALERIE MACON - AFP/File
-
Israeli strikes in Yemen's capital kill six, Huthis say
-
UN Security Council to vote on embattled Lebanon peacekeepers
-
Egyptian farmers behind world's perfumes face climate fight alone
-
'Life-long dream': Oasis kicks off North American tour in Toronto
-
Australia's mushroom murderer faces victims' family in court
-
SpaceX cancels Starship megarocket launch in latest setback
-
'Over the moon': Filipino Eala bags historic first at US Open
-
'Big brother' Giroud strikes late to lift Lille past Monaco
-
Fleetwood triumphs at Tour Championship for elusive first PGA Tour title
-
Mbappe fires Madrid to victory at Real Oviedo
-
Giroud strikes late to lift Lille past Monaco, Rennes implode early at Lorient
-
Row breaks out as US diplomat criticises France on antisemitism
-
Israeli bulldozers uproot hundreds of trees in West Bank village
-
David strikes on Serie A debut as Juve ease past Parma
-
Sabalenka into US Open second round as Fritz, Shelton advance
-
Israeli strikes in Yemen's capital kill four, Huthis say
-
England's Botterman aiming to be world's 'best loosehead prop'
-
Kneecap defy critics with 'Free Palestine' chant at Paris gig
-
New Zealand start Women's Rugby World Cup defence by downing battling Spain
-
Winless Man Utd need to 'grow up', says Amorim
-
Shelton romps into US Open second round
-
Kneecap defy objectors with 'Free Palestine' chant at Paris gig
-
US envoy criticises France's lack of action over antisemitism
-
Trump clashes with Democrats as he expands National Guard plans
-
Raducanu cruises to first US Open win since 2021 triumph
-
Man Utd still winless after Fulham draw, Everton win to open new stadium
-
Hamburg draws blank on Bundesliga return
-
Spain heatwave was 'most intense on record'
-
Chaotic Rennes set Ligue 1 red card record and lose 4-0 at Lorient
-
Russia and Ukraine exchange POWs, civilians
-
Moyes sees big step forward after Everton win stadium opener
-
Vingegaard wins on Vuelta mountain to take overall lead
-
Vingegaard wins on Vuelta mountain
-
Zelensky calls for Putin talks as peace efforts stall
-
Everton beat Brighton in new stadium opener
-
Higgins strikes as Ireland see off Japan in Women's Rugby World Cup
-
Fires ravage an ageing rural Spain
-
Marc Marquez coasts to seventh successive victory in Hungary
-
Arteta backs Eze to create 'magic moments' at Arsenal
-
US envoy visits Ukraine on independence day as peace efforts stall
-
Bangladesh and Pakistan bolster ties but war apology 'unresolved'
-
Rowe signs for Bologna after Marseille bust-up
-
Three tons as record-breaking Australia crush South Africa
-
France's regulator says unable to block dead streamer's channel
-
UK vows to speed up asylum claims as hotel protests spread
-
Head, Marsh, Green hit centuries as Australia make 431-2 in 3rd South Africa ODI
-
Pujara announces retirement from Indian cricket
-
Bird call contest boosts conservation awareness in Hong Kong's concrete jungle
-
Kneecap to play Paris concert in defiance of objections
-
Indonesian child's viral fame draws tourists to boat race
NYSE - LSE
Comedian Conan O'Brien to host Oscars
Comedian Conan O'Brien, a former late-night television host, will be the emcee for the Oscars for the first time, taking over from fellow funnyman Jimmy Kimmel, organizers said Friday.
O'Brien, 61, will preside over Hollywood's biggest night next March, hoping to maintain -- and even perhaps improve -- on an uptick in ratings seen earlier this year.
"America demanded it and now it's happening: Taco Bell's new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. In other news, I'm hosting the Oscars," O'Brien quipped in a statement from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang called O'Brien "the perfect person to help lead our global celebration of film with his brilliant humor, his love of movies and his live TV expertise."
"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," they said in the statement.
Executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan hailed O'Brien as "incredibly witty, charismatic and funny."
O'Brien, a five-time Emmy winner, hosted several late-night talk shows, including "The Tonight Show," and currently hosts the podcast "Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend." He previously served as a writer for "Saturday Night Live."
Kimmel first hosted the Oscars in 2017 and 2018. He was then brought back in 2023 after the previous year's ceremony featured actor Will Smith's infamous on-stage slap of Chris Rock. Kimmel also hosted the gala this past March.
Almost 20 million tuned in for the last Oscars -- a welcome upward trend for organizers of live awards shows, which have been shedding viewers as they compete for viewers with streamers and social media highlight clips.
The 97th Academy Awards will be held on March 2, 2025 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
P.M.Smith--AMWN