Discover the top Oscar hosts of all time

Successfully hosting the Academy Awards is a challenging feat, yet being asked to return for more hosting gigs is even rarer. 

Nonetheless, a handful of notable figures — including a prominent woman — have achieved this.

Since the first Oscar event in 1929, the show has explored various formats, from singular hosts and dynamic groups to host-free events. 

The most unforgettable hosts are often the comedic ones, like Billy Crystal, who has entertained audiences nine times — still 10 less compared to the record-holder featuring four-time hostess Whoopi Goldberg.

Conan O'Brien will only host for his second time when he steps onto the Oscar stage on March 15, 2026. 

It's uncertain if he will reach four times like his fellow late-night host Jimmy Kimmel or even five times like Johnny Carson.

From Hope to Kimmel, let's take a look at the stars who've taken on the role of Oscar host more than three times.

Bob Hope: 19 Appearances

Bob Hope — famed for his collaborations with the legendary Bing Crosby — holds the unbeaten record of hosting the Oscars 19 times.

The comedian and actor from Britain and America first graced the stage at the 12th Academy Awards in 1940. 

Celebrated for his humor and one-liners, he hosted the first broadcasted event in 1953 and the inaugural colour broadcast in 1966.

His final role as host was in 1978, but he made a brief return in 1991 when Crystal emceed.

Billy Crystal: Nine Appearances

Crystal, who rose to fame on the ABC sitcom Soap and the 1989 hit When Harry Met Sally, has helmed the Oscars nine times.

The comedian, director, and actor debuted at the 62nd Academy Awards in 1990, with his last hosting at the 84th ceremony in 2012. He's expressed that he likely won't host the Oscars again.

Johnny Carson: Five Appearances

Carson was an experienced host, most renowned for his three-decade-long tenure as the face of The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. 

Dubbed as "The King of Late Night," Carson took charge of the Oscars five times before his death in 2005.

His first hosting gig for the 51st Academy Awards was in 1979. He conducted four back-to-back shows before returning for the 56th ceremony in 1984.

Jack Lemmon: Four Appearances

Not only did Jack Lemmon host the Oscars four times, but he also earned two Academy Awards — Best Supporting Actor for Mister Roberts in 1955 and Best Actor for Save the Tiger in 1973.

He initially shared hosting duties with figures like Hope, Rosalind Russell, James "Jimmy" Stewart, and Donald Duck during the 30th event in 1958. In 1972, he co-hosted alongside Helen Hayes, Alan King, and Sammy Davis Jr.

Whoopi Goldberg: Four Appearances

Goldberg, who won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 1990 for Ghost, has taken on Oscar hosting duties four times.

The actress, comedian, and The View host made Oscar history as the first Black woman to host alone in 1994 during the 66th ceremony. 

She also belongs to a select group of stars to achieve an EGOT — winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award.

Jimmy Kimmel: Four Appearances

Kimmel has showcased his late-night hosting talent at the Oscars four times.

As an actor, comedian, and talk show host, he began his Oscars journey in 2017, coinciding with the notorious Envelope fiasco.

He made a notable comeback in 2023 after a break, following the memorable all-female hosting crew featuring Amy Schumer, Regina Hall, and Wanda Sykes.

Jerry Lewis: Three Appearances

Known as "The King of Comedy," Jerry Lewis held the role of Oscars host three times, though the saying "third time's the charm" wasn't applicable for the actor who died in 2017.

Lewis consecutively emceed the 28th and 29th Academy Awards, with his final appearance occurring at the 31st ceremony in 1959.

David Niven: Three Appearances

David Niven emceed the Oscars thrice, each time leaving a lasting impression.

He first co-hosted with various emcees, even including Donald Duck, in 1958. The subsequent year, at the 31st award show, Niven achieved history as the only individual to host and receive an Oscar in the same night when awarded Best Actor for Separate Tables in 1959.

Steve Martin: Three Appearances

Another member of the prestigious EGOT club, Steve Martin hosted the Oscars on three occasions, and even opened the 92nd Academy Awards with Chris Rock in 2020, a year without a formal host.

During his initial two solo appearances in 2001 and 2003, Martin led the prestigious audience alone, but the 82nd Academy Awards in 2010 saw him co-hosting with Alec Baldwin.

Conrad Nagel: Three Appearances

Conrad Nagel handles hosting duties at the 25th Academy Awards at the NBC International Theatre in New York City