John Mulaney Discloses Why He Declined to Host the 2025 Oscars
Comedian John Mulaney has spoken candidly about his decision to pass on the opportunity to host the 2025 Academy Awards, shedding light on the reality behind the glitz of Hollywood’s biggest night. The 42-year-old stand-up star, known for his incisive wit and quick-fire humour, revealed on Marc Maron’s ‘WTF’ podcast that he was offered the prestigious hosting role after four-time presenter Jimmy Kimmel stepped away from the show this year.
Mulaney described the invitation as “very flattering”, noting that the Academy approached him in the summer of 2024, following Kimmel’s decision to not return for a fifth appearance at the ceremony. Despite the honour, Mulaney ultimately turned down the offer, citing the relentless demands and extensive preparation required for such a high-profile gig.
Reflecting on the decision, the comedian stated, “They came to me, must have been last summer. And I knew Jimmy Kimmel wasn’t gonna do it. And they offered it. But honestly, I had a lot going on. It’s months and months of work.” This admission gives an insight into the mammoth behind-the-scenes task of hosting the Oscars—a commitment that extends far beyond merely appearing on stage on the night.
In the wake of Mulaney’s choice, the role of Oscars host was offered to Conan O’Brien, who accepted and earned widespread praise for his handling of the ceremony. Mulaney expressed nothing but admiration for his fellow late-night comic, sharing that O’Brien “came out and he not only was so funny, but he elevated the show to the point that I almost convinced myself I had seen these movies, and I’d seen not a one of them.” Mulaney’s remarks highlight the camaraderie and mutual respect among comedians within the industry, particularly those with roots in the legendary ‘Saturday Night Live’.
Beyond Oscar speculation, Mulaney has remained busy with his own creative pursuits. He recently welcomed O’Brien as a guest on his Netflix talk show, ‘Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney’. There, the two exchanged stories and humour, further cementing their dynamic rapport. Mulaney shared with listeners that there are ongoing discussions between himself and Netflix about extending the series, describing the process as “figuring it out”.
Although the talk show has proven to be a fulfilling project, Mulaney also alluded to the toll it has taken over time. “I have really felt the 12 weeks in a row,” he confessed regarding the three-month continuous stint. Were the show to become a daily feature, Mulaney hinted they would consider a less intensive format to maintain quality and energy.
He described ‘Everybody’s Live with John Mulaney’ as an “evergreen, weird” initiative that blends traditional talk show elements with those of a variety programme. “It was more than just that we got to try a lot of bits and jokes and have guests on. We just got to try whole episodes where it felt very shoestring and episodes where we were blowing it out production-wise,” he explained, underlining his drive to push creative boundaries.
The comedian’s openness about the realities of high-profile hosting roles and the sheer workload involved offers a rare window into the pressures faced by performers in the entertainment industry today. While public expectation often centres on the glamour of such stages, Mulaney’s comments remind audiences that the preparation can be all-consuming.
As O’Brien’s successful Oscars turn is still being discussed, and Mulaney forges ahead with his own innovative projects, the conversation around the pressures and privileges of awards season hosting continues. Meanwhile, fans of both comedians look forward to what creative ventures they might undertake next, whether on stage, screen, or the unpredictable world of live television.
Mulaney’s revelations provide a valuable context for understanding how even the most esteemed opportunities come with significant personal and professional considerations—an ongoing balancing act for those in the spotlight.