Celebrities who have hosted the Oscars the most times from Bob Hope to Jimmy Kimmel

Bob Hope holds the record for hosting the Oscars the most times, an astonishing 19 times between 1940 and 1978

Hosting the Academy Awards is widely considered one of the most challenging jobs in entertainment, but several celebrities have taken on the role multiple times and a few have made history by returning again and again.

The late comedian Bob Hope holds the record for hosting the Oscars the most times, emceeing the ceremony an astonishing 19 times between 1940 and 1978. Known for his quick wit and signature one-liners, Hope also hosted the first Oscars ceremony to be televised in 1953 and the first broadcast in color in 1966.

Following Hope is comedian and actor Billy Crystal, who hosted the ceremony nine times between 1990 and 2012. Crystal became one of the most beloved hosts in Oscars history thanks to his musical openings and comedic monologues that celebrated Hollywood history.

Late-night legend Johnny Carson hosted the ceremony five times from 1979 to 1984 during the height of his popularity as the longtime host of The Tonight Show.

Several other stars have hosted the Oscars four times, including actor Jack Lemmon, comedian and TV personality Whoopi Goldberg and late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. Goldberg notably made history as the first Black woman to host the ceremony solo and remains the only woman to have hosted it more than three times.

A handful of other entertainers have hosted the show three times, including Jerry Lewis, David Niven, Steve Martin and early Hollywood star Conrad Nagel, who emceed some of the earliest ceremonies in the 1930s.

The Oscars have experimented with different hosting formats over the years including multiple hosts, solo comedians and even ceremonies without a host but repeat hosts have often become fan favorites thanks to their ability to balance humor, star power and the high-pressure nature of live television.

The tradition continues today, with late-night comedian Conan O'Brien set to return to host the 2026 ceremony for the second time.