Conan O’Brien to Host the 99th Academy Awards in 2027

Conan O’Brien to return as Oscars host in 2027 – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Flickr)

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has chosen Conan O’Brien to return as host of the 99th Oscars. The decision follows two well-received ceremonies that helped stabilize the show after earlier challenges. Academy leaders described the move as a natural extension of the comedian’s recent success in guiding the event.

Strong Audience Response in Recent Years

O’Brien’s first outing as host drew 19.7 million viewers, marking a post-pandemic high for the broadcast. That ceremony also featured a sweep by the film Anora. The following year saw a modest decline in traditional viewership when One Battle After Another took best picture, yet social media engagement rose more than 42 percent during the telecast.

Throughout both shows, O’Brien maintained a light and self-aware tone. In one opening monologue he joked about being the last human host before a self-driving car took over the following year. Those moments contributed to the positive reviews that have now secured his return.

Production Team Remains in Place

Executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan will once again oversee the show. Academy president Bill Kramer and chair Lynette Howell Taylor praised the pair for delivering captivating and heartfelt programs over the past two years. They also noted O’Brien’s brilliance and humor as central to the celebration.

Disney Television Group president Craig Erwich echoed that sentiment. He credited O’Brien’s distinctive comedic voice with making the Oscars one of the year’s most entertaining events. The continuity of both host and producers signals confidence in the current creative direction.

Looking Toward the Ceremony’s Next Chapter

The 2027 broadcast will mark the penultimate Oscars held at the Hollywood venue and on traditional broadcast television. Beginning with the 101st ceremony in 2029, the show will shift to YouTube and a new downtown Los Angeles location.

That transition reflects broader changes in how audiences consume major live events. For now, the academy is focused on building on the momentum created by O’Brien’s recent appearances. The 2027 ceremony offers another opportunity to blend established appeal with fresh elements before the format evolves further.