Conan O'Brien's tenure as Oscars host is set to become a trilogy. The Emmy-winning comedian will return to host the 99th Academy Awards in 2027, the film academy announced on Tuesday.
O'Brien's Return to the Oscars Stage
O'Brien has hosted the last two Oscar ceremonies to critical acclaim. In his opening monologue earlier this year, he joked, "I am 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 joined by a familiar production team, with Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan returning as executive producers.
Film academy leaders Bill Kramer and Lynette Howell Taylor issued a joint statement, saying, "They are an incredible team and have produced such captivating, entertaining, and heartfelt shows over the last two years." They added that they look forward to "Conan superbly leading the celebration with his brilliance and humor."
Viewership Trends and Social Media Impact
After several years of ratings growth, including a post-pandemic high of 19.7 million viewers for O'Brien's inaugural hosting gig—when "Anora" swept the awards—the show experienced a dip in viewership this year, when "One Battle After Another" won Best Picture. However, engagement on other platforms rose. Social media interaction during the broadcast increased by over 42% this year.
Craig Erwich, president of Disney's Television Group, praised O'Brien's impact, stating, "Conan has created remarkable energy around 'The Oscars.' 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."
Details of the 99th Oscars
The 99th Academy Awards will be broadcast live on ABC from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 14, 2027. This will be the penultimate ceremony held at that Hollywood venue and on broadcast television. In 2029, the show will move to YouTube and downtown Los Angeles for its 101st edition.
