Lugano – Conan O’Brien is officially returning to host next year’s Oscars, marking his third consecutive year leading Hollywood’s biggest awards ceremony.
The 99th Academy Awards is set to take place on March 14, celebrating some of the biggest achievements in film and entertainment from the past year.
The comedian first hosted the ceremony in 2025 and quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his self-deprecating humor, unpredictable comedy style, and ability to balance entertainment with emotional moments throughout the broadcast.
According to Variety, the 2025 ceremony attracted nearly 20 million viewers in the United States, marking the Oscars’ strongest ratings performance in five years.
O’Brien returned to host the awards again this year, where his comedic style, celebrity interactions, and viral opening monologue once again received positive reactions from both viewers and critics.
The 2027 ceremony will once again air live from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on ABC and Hulu, continuing the Academy’s recent efforts to expand its streaming audience alongside traditional television broadcasts.
Longtime collaborators Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan are also set to return as executive producers for the upcoming ceremony, continuing the creative team behind the recent Oscars broadcasts.
O’Brien remains one of the most recognizable figures in late-night television after hosting “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” and “The Tonight Show,” across nearly three decades.
His return places him among a small group of hosts who have led the Oscars multiple years in a row.
The announcement arrives as the Academy continues adapting the Oscars for changing viewing habits, digital audiences, and wider industry changes.
Among these changes are the Academy’s updated rules surrounding artificial intelligence, which clarify that performances and screenwriting created entirely by AI will not be eligible to win Oscars.
The decision comes as AI continues to spark debate across the entertainment industry, particularly around concerns over creativity, copyright, and the future of film production.
