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In their quest to find a host who will generate buzz but not blow up in their faces22fun, Academy Awards organizers have traded a current late-night comedian (Jimmy Kimmel) for a former one: Conan O’Brien.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said on Friday that Mr. O’Brien, 61, would serve as M.C. for the 97th Oscars ceremony, which will be broadcast on ABC in March. Mr. O’Brien left late-night television in 2021 and has since focused on a popular podcast, “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend,” and a spinoff travel show for the Max streaming service called “Conan O’Brien Must Go.”

“America demanded it and now it’s happening: Taco Bell’s new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme,” Mr. O’Brien said in a statement. “In other news, I’m hosting the Oscars.”

Mr. O’Brien checked a number of boxes for the academy. Since he has never hosted the Oscars before, he will bring a certain freshness to the show, which can come off as old-fashioned at best and out-of-touch at worst. At the same time, Mr. O’Brien is a safe choice — a seasoned pro whose comedic style has been honed over decades and who has successfully hosted other award shows, including the Emmys.

Moreover, Mr. O’Brien is known for his ability to move seamlessly between light and heavy topics, a skill that could serve him well at the Oscars, where hosts are expected to address serious issues — the political divide in the United States will undoubtedly be one in March — while keeping the overall mood upbeat and viewers from tuning out.

Mr. O’Brien is also known for orchestrating viral moments, something that academy officials have increasingly coveted both for the Oscars telecast and for the advance promotion of it. Mr. O’Brien has 27 million followers on X.

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