How much does Conan O’Brien get paid as an Oscar host? Surprising salary breakdown
The memories of hosting the Academy Awards ceremony are priceless.
But when it comes to Conan O’Brien’s actual paycheck for returning to the Oscar stage this year, the reality is not so high. In fact, the comedian is likely to walk away with just a five-figure thank you for his hard work.
Four-time host Jimmy Kimmel previously revealed that he was paid $15,000 to host Hollywood’s biggest night — a salary he said was not commensurate with the number of hours he spent hosting, which he said was part of the reason Jimmy Kimmel Live! The hosts politely declined the opportunity to return in 2025.
“It’s hard, it’s a lot of work, and[Jimmy Kimmel Live]is suffering a little bit to be honest,” the comedian said on the “Politicin” podcast in 2024. “When you’re focused on the Oscars, you lose focus on the show. And I just decided I don’t want to do that this year. Last year I did too much.”
He continued, “We’re putting everything on hold until after the Oscars, but everything we promised to do after the Oscars has to be done after the Oscars.”
