Jimmy Kimmel Says Conan O’Brien Did Such A Good Job As Oscar Host, “Next Year They’re Giving It To Jay Leno”
Jimmy Kimmel, a four-time Oscar ceremony presenter, added some talk show rivalry humor when commenting on Conan O'Brien's first time hosting the Academy Awards.
"Conan O'Brien performed wonderfully as the Oscar host," Kimmel stated on his ABC nighttime program Jimmy Kimmel Live on Monday. "Actually, I saw reports today that Conan did so well, the Oscars announced they're giving the job to Jay Leno next year."
This quip recalled the mishandled Tonight Show succession at NBC where O'Brien, then the popular Late Night host, was promised The Tonight Show to remain with NBC. However, when his time came to lead The Tonight Show in autumn 2009, NBC executives hesitated to dismiss his predecessor Jay Leno, creating a primetime talk program for him instead. This situation caused O'Brien to exit The Tonight Show after only a few months, with NBC reinstating Leno as host.
Kimmel, who observed the 2009 controversy from his ABC position, criticized O'Brien's treatment and Leno's actions, even mimicking Leno with complete hair and makeup during his JKL opening speech the day O'Brien announced his Tonight Show departure in January 2010.
Fifteen years later, Kimmel, who declined to return as Oscar host for a fifth appearance — and third consecutive year — has shown support for O'Brien as his replacement.
"I consider this an OUTSTANDING selection," Kimmel posted on X when O'Brien was named the 2025 host last October. During O'Brien's recent JKL appearance, he revealed that Kimmel called him first after the announcement and provided hosting advice. Kimmel also sent O'Brien good wishes on Oscar Sunday.
Kimmel's Monday opening speech included additional Oscar reflections and his thoughts on the Trump-Zelensky White House confrontation.
