LOS ANGELES, Nov 15 (Reuters) - Comedian, writer and

former late-night host Conan O'Brien will be the host of the

97th Oscars, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

said on Friday.

It will be the Emmy-winner's first time hosting the

ceremony, which will air live from the Dolby Theatre in Los

Angeles on ABC on Sunday, March 2, 2025.

"He is the perfect person to help lead our global

celebration of film with his brilliant humor, his love of

movies, and his live TV expertise," Academy CEO Bill Kramer and

President Janet Yang said in a statement.

"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."

O'Brien, 61, had his own comedic quip on his new gig.

"America demanded it and now it's happening: Taco Bell's new

Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. In other news, I'm hosting the Oscars,"

said O'Brien.

The comedian is best known for hosting the late-night talk

shows "Late Night with Conan O'Brien," "The Tonight Show with

Conan O'Brien" and "Conan."

He follows in the footsteps of fellow comedian Jimmy Kimmel,

who hosted the 2024 Oscars.

"Conan has all the qualities of a great Oscars host--he is

incredibly witty, charismatic and funny and has proven himself

to be a master of live event television," said Oscars executive

producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan.