Hosting the Oscars! It is the gig that no one wants. Why? Just ask anyone who has declined it, including veterans like Jimmy Kimmel who said, “It was just too much last year.” A host’s work is definitely cut out for them as they must command attention, and be funny and memorable. When it comes to memorable, Ellen Degeneres’ Oscar selfie and pizza party (2014) and Jimmy Kimmel’s Oscar Tour (2017) definitely qualify and so do four words from David Letterman’s monologue and Kimmel’s furry guest in 2023. There is one thing that is common between all four. And that is where this year's host Conan O'Brien is focused. The 61-year-old has one aspect at the forefront of his hosting gig. And no, it is not whether it will be good or bad. 

To be fair to all the Oscar hosts who did not get the best receptions, they also were in line with that one aspect. This includes even 1995’s “Uma. Oprah. Oprah. Uma.” Seth MacFarlane’s panned opening song at the 85th Oscars qualifies, and so does Neil Patrick Harris’ interactions with Octavia Spencer regarding the briefcase at the 87th Oscars. Those were cringe, facepalm, downright crass, and insert any possible adjective of your choice. But all of these were…new and unpredictable.

In a chat with Good Morning America, the host of the 97th Academy Awards said, “I don't care if my ideas are bad ideas. I care that they're new and you haven't seen them before.” Now that's quite a task. Topping what 60-odd previous hosts have done across 96 previous editions and ensuring originality? To say it in the words of the Sorting Hat from Harry Potter, “Hmm. Difficult. Very difficult.” 

Imagine this. If Conan O'Brien does something good, it will be something that the likes of Bob Hope, Steve Martin, Hugh Jackman, Jon Stewart, Billy Crystal, and Donald Duck MAY have done before. But what exactly can he do that's new? Hmm. He's got a plan! Conan let slip one thing that is quite original. Usually, the orchestra does it, but this time it can be “HOST.”

“I’m just gonna keep popping in and yell HOST,” said the host who hinted at doing it during a recipient’s speech as well. We hope not. If he does, there will be mayhem though. It is more funny when the host conducts the orchestra as Jimmy Kimmel did for Ben Affleck's ‘guest.’

“HOST” could be a good thing to get the Dolby Theater’s attention, especially as O’Brien may take to the stage immediately after Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande’s opening performance. Suddenly hearing “HOST” can snap everyone back from the emotional high of one of Wicked’s songs, which may (absolutely must) include 'Defying Gravity'. 

An overuse of this may dilute the fun and eliminate the unpredictability factor, but Conan O’Brien is not fussed as his words indicate an extremely unpredictable night is on the cards. 

Conan O'Brien is Hosting Oscars 2025: Here's All You Need to Know About His Career and Accolades

There is of course the opening monologue which will highlight the current realities, acknowledge the nominees, and take snide digs at them. Conan can have his own spin on that. Of course, it can also be a song or both. However, it looks unlikely as a song following the Wicked duet may not be the best idea. But wait. What if he features in the performance? He definitely can sing, as he has done at the Emmys in 2006. 

He name-dropped an 83-year-old performer saying, “You never know with Conan. I'm like Ann-Margret. I'm a triple threat. I know many young people are watching, you don't know who Ann-Margret is. So I'll change it up again. I'm like Selena Gomez. I sing. I act. Okay, I just brought it into the present. You never know what I'm gonna do. I can sing, I can dance. I can do close-up magic. I mean I'm a contortionist. You don't know what I'm gonna do. Anything can happen at any time.” Remember Conan's 2002 Emmy’s opening?

Only giving a whiff of his plan to the audiences O'Brien hinted at some shoulders and arms action. More precisely, he spoke about dislocating his shoulders and letting his arms fall off. He may have been kidding here about the shoulders stuff, at least we hope so. But given his track record as a show host and awards host, audiences can certainly buy his 'expect the unexpected' and 'anything can happen' narrative. 

Will Conan O'Brien have an Oscar success? Or will he go the Letterman way? Should O'Brien go ahead with his “HOST” gag, it may just happen. And will he go ahead with it? He just might as he is not worried about good or bad.

How Do They Choose Presenters at Oscars Every Year? Is There A Criteria One Has to Meet?