Conan O'Brien to host Oscars for a third year: Producers praise his 'brilliance and humour'

Conan O'Brien will return to host Hollywood's biggest night in 2027, marking his third consecutive appearance as the master of ceremonies for the Academy Awards. The announcement confirms a period of stability for the prestigious awards show, which has found a successful formula with O'Brien and his trusted production team. O'Brien is set to reunite with producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, who return as the show's executive producers for the fourth consecutive year. The team is further rounded out by Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney, who will return as producers for a third time, with Sweeney also serving as a writer for the broadcast.

In a joint statement, Academy chiefs Kramer and Howell Taylor expressed their excitement about the team's return. "We are thrilled to be working again with Conan, Raj, Katy, Jeff and Mike for the 99th Oscars," they said. "They are an incredible team and have produced such captivating, entertaining and heartfelt shows over the last two years. We are so grateful for their ongoing partnership as we honour our global film community and we look forward to Conan superbly leading the celebration with his brilliance and humor."

'Singular comedic voice'

Praise for the host has come from all corners of the industry, with executives highlighting his unique ability to blend comedy with the event's prestige. Craig Erwich, President of Disney Television Group, praised O'Brien for creating 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," Erwich stated.

Executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan also shared their enthusiasm, noting that working with O'Brien for a third year is particularly special. In a statement shared by the Hindustan Times, they said he brings a beloved sense of humour and warmth to the show. "He brings that signature humor everyone loves, along with a real warmth and generosity that carry through the entire show," said Kapoor and Mullan. "He's a true creative partner, someone we trust completely, and someone who makes the whole process genuinely fun, both behind the scenes and on stage. We're incredibly grateful to keep building this together and can't wait to share what's next."

A veteran host with a long history

Before his more than two-decade career as a late-night institution, O'Brien began as a writer for iconic shows like "Saturday Night Live" and "The Simpsons". He is best known for hosting "Late Night with Conan O'Brien", "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien", and "Conan". His extensive experience makes him a reliable and celebrated choice. With his third turn as host, O'Brien joins a select group of individuals who have hosted the ceremony three times, including Steve Martin and Jerry Lewis. He has also previously hosted the Emmy Awards twice and the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner twice.

Currently, O'Brien hosts the popular "Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend" podcast and the HBO travel show "Conan O'Brien Must Go." His work has earned him six Primetime Emmys from a total of 33 nominations, including a nomination for his work on the Oscars. His first year as host in 2025 drew a post-pandemic high of 19.7 million viewers, and while traditional viewership saw a dip in 2026, social media engagement reportedly increased by over 42%, showing a shift in audience interaction.

The 99th Oscars will be held on Sunday, 14 March 2027, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. The ceremony will be televised live on ABC, streamed live on Hulu, and aired in more than 200 territories worldwide, with O'Brien leading the celebration for a third time.