Conan O’Brien to return as Oscars host for third year in a row

Conan O’Brien’s era as Oscars host is becoming a trilogy. The Emmy-winning comedian will be back to host the 99th Academy awards in 2027, leaders of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science said on Tuesday.

O’Brien hosted the last two Oscar ceremonies to positive reviews. Earlier this year, in his opening monologue, he said he was “honored to be the last human host of the Academy Awards … Next year it’s going to be a Waymo in a tux.”

He will be surrounded by a familiar team as well, with the return of Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan as the show’s executive producers.

Academy leaders Bill Kramer and Lynette Howell Taylor said in a joint statement: “They are an incredible team and have produced such captivating, entertaining and heartfelt shows over the last two years,” adding that they’re looking forward to “Conan superbly leading the celebration with his brilliance and humor”.

The show took a dip in viewership this year, when One Battle After Another was crowned best picture, after several years of ratings increases, including a post-pandemic high of 19.7 million viewers who tuned in for O’Brien’s inaugural year as host in 2025, when Anora swept the awards. Engagement for the Oscars rose by other metrics, though. Social media engagement during the broadcast went up by over 42% this year.

“Conan has created remarkable energy around the Oscars,” said Craig Erwich, the president of the Disney Television Group, in a statement. “His singular comedic voice makes Hollywood’s biggest night one of the most entertaining celebrations of the year. We’re proud to welcome him back and look forward to what he and the producing team deliver next.”

The 99th Academy Awards will be broadcast live on ABC from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on 14 March 2027. It will be the penultimate ceremony at the Hollywood location and on broadcast television. In 2029, the show moves to YouTube, and downtown Los Angeles for its 101st awards.