Mark your calendars for Sunday, March 2, as that’s when the 97th Academy Awards will air on ABC. A master of ceremonies has yet to be named for the annual trophy gala, so now is the perfect time to predict who might be tapped to host by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Remember, four-time emcee Jimmy Kimmel has decided to take a break this year, and comedian John Mulaney has also reportedly removed his name from contention. So who should host the 2025 Oscars? Vote in our poll below.
Obviously, one of the most important factors for the academy to consider when choosing an Oscar host would be their popularity. Who is famous enough to bring lots and lots of eyeballs to the ceremony and help sell those all-important ad dollars? And since the Academy Awards are broadcast in dozens of countries, it would help for that person to be famous worldwide. That’s why superstars like Beyonce and Taylor Swift are such intriguing possibilities.
Beyonce has a new blockbuster album out, “Cowboy Carter,” which showcases more of her country and Americana side. She’s gone viral for performing at the Academy Awards before: “Be Alive” from “King Richard” in 2022; a medley of classic tunes with host Hugh Jackman in 2009; a trio of “Dreamgirls” hits in 2007; and a collection of nominated songs in 2005. But imagine how much traffic Queen Bey would draw to the ceremony if she were to serve as the host for the full three hours?
Swift was invited to join the academy in 2023 thanks to her short film “All Too Well” being a part of that year’s Oscar conversation. (It ultimately failed to make the shortlist.) She’s one of the biggest stars on the planet and her new album “The Tortured Poets Department” is still selling like hotcakes. The 34-year-old has yet to appear on the Oscars stage, so Swifties everywhere would no doubt watch in droves if their favorite artist finally performed on the biggest stage imaginable.
Some former Oscar acting contenders who we think deserve their shot in the hosting chair are Ariana DeBose (Best Supporting Actress winner for “West Side Story”), Jamie Foxx (Best Actor winner for “Ray”) and Angela Bassett (Academy Honorary Award recipient). DeBose has done a terrific job hosting the Tony Awards three times already, so the Oscars would be a perfect fit.
Past awards show hosts like Jackman, Trevor Noah and Conan O’Brien have already proven to be reliable on stage, whether they’re emceeing the Oscars, Grammys or Emmys, respectively. Jackman is having an amazing year thanks to his film “Deadpool & Wolverine” breaking all kinds of box office records. Noah is a double Emmy nominee this year for hosting the Grammys and for his variety special “Trevor Noah: Where Was I.” And O’Brien is having a resurgence because of his Emmy-nominated travel show “Conan O’Brien Must Go.”
And then there are some wild card suggestions like beloved movie star Dwayne Johnson, Broadway legend Lin-Manuel Miranda and the Queen of Drag RuPaul Charles. Just this week, RuPaul tossed his own name into the ring to be the 2025 Oscars host. Cast your vote in our poll right here:
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