5 Black Comedians Who Should Host The Next Oscar Awards

Former late-night talk show host and comedian Conan O’Brien was selected by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to host the 98th Oscar Awards ceremony this weekend. A familiar face of the show, this will be O’Brien’s third time hosting the ceremony. While O’Brien is an acclaimed comedian and writer, there are a plethora of other comedians, particularly Black ones, who would have risen to the occasion as the show’s host. These performers have never had the opportunity to showcase their undeniable comedic talent on such a grand stage, but the Oscars pulled out the same #OscarsSoWhite playbook when choosing this year’s host.

In the history of the Academy Awards, only a handful of Black entertainers have hosted the show, including Sammy Davis Jr., Richard Pryor, Whoopi Goldberg, and Chris Rock.

Instead of spotlighting Black comedians who have hosted in the past as alternatives to host the show, there are numerous comedians who are more than equipped to bring the funny to the Oscars. Here are our picks for Black comedians who should take the stage to host the Academy Awards.

Quinta Brunson

As the creator and star of the hit sitcom “Abbott Elementary,” Quinta Brunson would be an ideal choice to host the Oscars. With an exceptional comedic skill set, Brunson would bring a “universal” appeal across demographics, a rare quality that the Oscars desperately needs to maintain broad viewership. A Root 100 honoree, a winner of several NAACP Image Awards and Emmys, and with her improv background, Brunson should be a top candidate for the Academy to consider.

Deon Cole

After hosting the last two NAACP Image Awards shows, Deon Cole would be a hilarious host for the Oscars. As a veteran stand-up comic and a celebrated actor in both comedy (“Black-ish”) and drama (“Average Joel”), Cole was also a staff writer on “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien” and “Conan;” earning two Primetime Emmy Award nods. Cole also has several hit Netflix stand-up specials: “Cole Hearted” (2029), “Charleen’s Boy” (2022), and “Ok, Mister” (2024). Always as cool as the other side of the pillow, Cole’s presence would command the room like no other.

Ayo Edebiri

Ayo Edeibiri’s name usually comes up when the topic of Oscar hosts is suggested. The Root 100 honoree’s infectious personality and magnetic charm would inject some much-needed life into the show. A rare “triple threat” with success in acting, writing, and directing, Edebiri has already won a Golden Globe and an Emmy for her work in TV and film. Edebiri’s sharp, improvisational humor makes her a natural fit for the prestigious Academy Awards stage.

Josh Johnson

A master of political satire, Josh Johnson is hailed as one of the best stand-up comedians on the scene. Currently a standout correspondent on “The Daily Show” and an Emmy-nominated writer, Johnson’s “long-form” observational style is tailor-made for monologues, in the same vein as the Oscars cold-opening. His calm, laid-back style and astute storytelling would hit with attendees and viewers across the globe.

Roy Wood Jr.

Roy Wood Jr. personifies what “grown-up” comedy is all about. Boasting an impeccable resume, Wood hosted The Root 100 in 2023 and 2024,  the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in 2023, the MLB Awards in 2005, and the 2026 Writers Guild Awards in New York. Along with his long tenure as a correspondent on “The Daily Show,” Wood has several stand-up specials, including “Father Figure” (2017), “No One Loves You” (2019), and “Imperfect Messenger” (2021), all on Comedy Central. In 2025, he released “Lonely Flowers” on Hulu. Without question, Wood is a go-to guy for hosting ceremonies, and he would bring the fire as host of the Oscars.