Conan O'Brien will return as host of the Academy Awards for a third time, taking the reins for the 99th Oscars in 2027, the film academy announced on Tuesday.
The Emmy-winning comedian has hosted the last two ceremonies to positive reviews. In his opening monologue earlier this year, he joked, “I was honoured to be the last human host of the Academy Awards … Next year it’s going to be a Waymo in a tux.”
O'Brien will be joined by returning executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan. Film academy leaders Bill Kramer and Lynette Howell Taylor praised the team, saying they have produced “captivating, entertaining and heartfelt shows” and look forward to “Conan superbly leading the celebration with his brilliance and humour.”
After a post-pandemic high of 19.7 million viewers for O'Brien's first year as host, viewership dipped this year. However, social media engagement during the broadcast rose by over 42 per cent. Disney's Craig Erwich credited O'Brien with creating “remarkable energy” around the event.
The 99th Oscars will be broadcast live on ABC from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 14, 2027. It will be the penultimate ceremony at that venue and on broadcast television; in 2029, the show moves to YouTube and downtown Los Angeles for its 101st awards.
