This marks O’Brien’s first stint as as host, coming after two consecutive years with Jimmy Kimmel as emcee. The ceremony is also coming off winning an Emmy for outstanding variety special (live), from a ceremony that yielded over 20 million viewers.

Mr. O’Brien, the former late-night host, will take over from Jimmy Kimmel, who served as M.C. for the last two Oscar ceremonies, organizers said on Friday.

The 97th annual Oscars will be held on March 2 in Los Angeles. In June, it was reported that Jimmy Kimmel had declined to return to emcee the ceremony.