Conan O’Brien to return as Oscars host for 2027 ceremony

Conan O’Brien will return to host the Oscars in 2027, marking his third consecutive year leading Hollywood’s biggest awards night.

The announcement confirms that the comedian and late-night host will front the 99th Academy Awards, set to air live on ABC and stream on Hulu on March 14, 2027. Producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan will also return for their fourth straight year as executive producers of the ceremony.

O’Brien’s comeback follows two widely praised hosting performances in 2025 and 2026, despite a reported ratings dip in the most recent telecast. According to ABC executives, the network has been keen to bring him back due to the strong reception to his comedic style and overall hosting approach.

During the 2026 Oscars finale, O’Brien signed off with a tongue-in-cheek sketch that jokingly declared him “Oscars host for life” before introducing a comedic succession gag involving internet personality MrBeast. The moment further cemented his playful tone as host.

ABC’s Disney Television leadership has previously expressed strong support for O’Brien’s continued involvement, praising his ability to bring fresh energy to the long-running awards show. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences also welcomed his return, highlighting his “brilliance and humor” as key to the ceremony’s global appeal.

Alongside O’Brien, producers Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney will return, with Sweeney also serving as a writer for the broadcast. The production team has now been largely consistent for multiple years, helping shape a modern tone for the Oscars while maintaining its traditional prestige.

O’Brien, known for his decades-long career in late-night television and his current work on podcasts and travel shows, remains one of the most recognisable comedy hosts in the entertainment industry.