With just hours to go until the 97th Academy Awards, Conan O'Brien is preparing to host the ceremony while mourning the loss of both his parents just two months ago.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced his selection as host through a video posted on its official X account on November 15, 2024.
In the clip, the comedian and television host showcases his signature humor with a series of jokes before officially confirming his role as the Oscars host for the ceremony set to take place on Sunday, March 2, 2025.
Conan O’Brien is officially your 97th Oscars host!
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) November 15, 2024
Tune into the biggest night in Hollywood on Sunday, March 2nd at 7e/4p, LIVE on @ABCNetwork! #Oscars @TeamCoco @ConanOBrien pic.twitter.com/ZpsGM9LEIq
However, just weeks after the announcement, Conan faced an unexpected personal tragedy. On December 9, news broke that his father, Dr. Thomas O'Brien, had passed away at 95 at the family home in Brookline, Massachusetts.
Tragically, just three days later, he suffered another devastating loss when his mother, attorney Ruth Reardon O'Brien, passed away on December 12.
Following these heartbreaking events, Conan took a break from X, his only personal social media platform, without sharing details about his family's situation. He returned in January, resuming content for his podcast 'Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend' and promoting his upcoming role as Oscars host.
Despite his personal loss, Conan remains committed to delivering a night of laughter and sharp wit at the film industry's biggest awards show. He will be joined by a star-studded lineup of presenters, who will take the stage to announce the night's awards.
The parents of Conan O’Brien — Thomas Francis O’Brien, 95, an epidemiologist, and Ruth Reardon O’Brien, 92, a lawyer who made strides for women in the legal field — both died at their home in Massachusetts, three days apart. They were married for 66 years. https://t.co/EsQvmvkSw1 pic.twitter.com/Y1ECtoi7pM
— The New York Times (@nytimes) December 14, 2024
Among the notable presenters is the Spanish actress Penélope Cruz, making her sixth appearance, alongside Halle Berry, Scarlett Johansson, Elle Fanning, Whoopi Goldberg, John Lithgow, Amy Poehler, June Squibb, and Bowen Yang.
Additionally, the most recent acting award winners will present the top categories, including Best Actor and Actress winners Cillian Murphy and Emma Stone, as well as Best Supporting Actor and Actress winners Robert Downey Jr. and Da'Vine Joy Randolph.
With Conan at the helm and an impressive roster of presenters, the upcoming Oscars promise to be one of the most entertaining and sharp-witted ceremonies in recent years.
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