Comedian Conan O'Brien will return as host of the Academy Awards for a third consecutive year, taking the stage at the 99th ceremony set for March 14, 2027. According to multiple reports, film academy leaders announced O'Brien's return on Tuesday, citing his positive reception and entertaining performances during the previous two years.
Key Takeaways
Comedian Conan O'Brien will host the Academy Awards for a third consecutive year, taking the stage at the 99th ceremony in 2027. His return was announced by film academy leaders, citing his positive reception and entertaining performances over the past two years.
- Conan O'Brien to host Oscars for third time in 2027
- Viewership dipped from 19.7 million in 2025 to 17.9 million in 2026
- Social media engagement rose by over 42% this year
- Ceremony will be broadcast live on ABC from the Dolby Theatre on March 14, 2027
- Oscars moving to YouTube and L.A. Live in 2029 after nearly a quarter-century at the Dolby Theatre
O'Brien first hosted the Oscars in 2025, drawing a post-pandemic high of 19.7 million viewers. This year, however, viewership dipped to 17.9 million, though social media engagement rose by over 42%. The ceremony will be broadcast live on ABC from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
The Emmy-winning comedian is known for his work on late-night talk shows and currently hosts the HBO Max travel show 'Conan O'Brien Must Go' and the podcast 'Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend'. He will be joined by returning executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, who are set to produce their fourth consecutive Oscars ceremony.
Craig Erwich, president of Disney's Television Group, expressed enthusiasm for O'Brien's return, highlighting his unique comedic voice that makes Hollywood's biggest night one of the most entertaining celebrations of the year. Academy leaders Bill Kramer and Lynette Howell Taylor praised the team's ability to produce captivating and heartfelt shows.
The 2027 Oscars will be the penultimate ceremony at the Dolby Theatre before moving to YouTube in 2029. Starting that year, the show will relocate from Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre to L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles, ending a five-decade run on ABC and beginning a new era of streaming on YouTube.
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