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Late-night television veteran Conan O’Brien has been announced as the host for the upcoming Academy Awards ceremony, following Jimmy Kimmel’s second consecutive year at the helm.

Making the announcement with his signature humor, O’Brien stated Friday, “America demanded it and now it’s happening: Taco Bell’s new Cheesy Chalupa Supreme. In other news, I’m hosting the Oscars.”

While this marks O’Brien’s debut as Oscar host, his awards show experience includes hosting the Emmy Awards twice and the White House Correspondents’ dinner on two occasions.

The ceremony is scheduled to broadcast live on ABC on March 2, with O’Brien joining an illustrious lineup of previous hosts including Johnny Carson and Billy Crystal.

“He joins an iconic roster of comedy greats who have served in this role, and we are so lucky to have him center stage for the Oscars,” said Craig Erwich, president, Disney Television Group.

Despite the star-studded history, the Academy Awards faces declining viewership. Recent statistics show only 19.5 million viewers tuned in for the latest ceremony, marking the fourth-lowest ratings in Oscar history.

“Facts are facts, and a mere ten years ago, in 2014, the Oscar telecast drew 43.7 million viewers. Hell, five years ago, in 2019, 30 million tuned in. But by all means, celebrate that 19.5 million also of interest is the fact Oscar is losing younger viewers. And again, here’s how the entertainment media sycophants spin it:

The telecast of the 96th Academy Awards marked a four-year high in total viewers, including a 4% increase compared to the 18.8 million who tuned into the Sunday night telecast in 2023. Last year’s broadcast saw a 13% uptick in total viewership compared to the 16.7 million viewers the awards show nabbed in 2022. This year’s show also nabbed a 3.81 rating among adults 18-49.”

Since departing from late-night television in 2021, O’Brien has focused on his successful podcast “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” and hosts a travel series “Conan O’Brien Must Go” for Max streaming service.