The Academy Awards have long been considered one of the toughest hosting gigs in entertainment. Although the position does not always come with an impressive paycheck, it remains one of the most prestigious jobs in show business. The most recent star to step into that spotlight was beloved late-night host Conan O'Brien, who just completed his second run as host. 

However, the comedian might not return to host next year’s Academy Awards. In the show’s closing moments, the reins appeared to be handed over to Mr. Beast, leaving many wondering what it could mean for O’Brien’s chances of returning as the Oscars host next year and for the mysterious Mr. Beast.

After Conan O'Brien wrapped up the ceremony with an energetic performance, the closing sketch showed him relaxing in an office, where he claimed that he had been promised the Academy Awards hosting gig for life. Moments later, the camera slowly panned upward as a mysterious smoke began to fill the room, and O’Brien passed out, only to be carried away by masked men. This is when the name plate on the door was switched from his name to Mr. Beast. 

However, there is no information involving Mr. Beast that suggests the moment was simply a joke. This closing gag is also a recreated death scene from One Battle After Another, in which Sean Penn’s character, Lockjaw, is similarly taken down. While it appears to be a humorous reenactment, there is a chance that the host could get changed next year.

And this has happened before. Before O’Brien, Jimmy Kimmel hosted the Oscars multiple times. Even last year, the hosting gig was reportedly offered to Kimmel as well as John Mulaney. However, both comedians refused the offers. 

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Both had one similar reason to pass on the offer and later opened up about it, too. 

Hosting the Academy Awards is an honorable job. However, it also demands much time and effort, often requiring at least a month of preparation. That is one of the reasons why both Jimmy Kimmel and John Mulaney reportedly declined the offer last year, citing their busy schedules. 

“It was just too much last year. You wind up pushing everything off till after the Oscars, and then you have to do everything you promised to do after the Oscars, after the Oscars,” Kimmel said.

“And it’s months and months of work,” John said on the WTF podcast.

The role may be prestigious, but it is also highly demanding. Over the decades, legendary hosts such as Bob Hope and Billy Crystal have hosted Hollywood’s biggest night, while Conan O'Brien himself has now hosted the ceremony twice. In the end, whether O’Brien returns to host the Oscars again will likely depend on his schedule and whether he is able to commit the time needed for such a demanding gig.

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What do you think about Mr. Beast hosting the Oscars? Let us know in the comments.