The rumors were true: Conan O’Brien is officially returning to host the Oscars for a third consecutive year. The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences announced Tuesday that the comedian will once again take the stage for the 99th Annual Academy Awards, solidifying his unexpected tenure as Hollywood’s most reliable host.
While the "Oscars host for life" sketch from last year’s ceremony might have seemed like a one-off joke, O’Brien’s continued involvement suggests he has found a comfortable rhythm with the Academy. He will join Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, who are also returning as executive producers for the fourth year running.
A Winning Partnership
The decision to renew the partnership comes on the heels of a highly successful second year. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor praised the team’s ability to balance entertainment with respect for the film community.
“We are thrilled to be working again with Conan, Raj, Katy, Jeff and Mike for the 99th Oscars,” the Academy leaders stated. “They are an incredible team and have produced such captivating, entertaining and heartfelt shows over the last two years. We are so grateful for our ongoing partnership as we honor our global film community -- and we look forward to Conan superbly leading the celebration with his brilliance and humor.”
The sentiment was echoed by Craig Erwich, President of Disney Television Group, highlighting the unique value O’Brien brings to the broadcast.
“Conan has created remarkable energy around the Oscars,” Erwich said. “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.”
Looking Ahead to the 99th Oscars
The upcoming ceremony will take place against the backdrop of a significant shift in the awards landscape. The 98th Academy Awards recently saw historic moments, including a seventh tie in Oscar history and Michael B. Jordan winning his first Best Actor award for Sinners. The film One Battle After Another also took home Best Picture.
However, the previous broadcast was not without controversy. Fans noted the abrupt removal of the KPop Demon Hunters composer during the musical numbers and the omission of several notable figures from the In Memoriam sequence.
In response to evolving industry standards, the Academy has already begun updating its rules for next year’s event. Key changes include new positions on the use of AI in filmmaking and allowances for multiple nominations for the same actor in a single category.
When and Where to Watch
Mark your calendars for the next installment of this unlikely hosting run. The 99th Oscars will air live on ABC and Hulu on Sunday, March 14, 2027. The broadcast will begin at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT.
As Hollywood prepares for another year of cinematic excellence, the question remains: will Conan O’Brien’s third run be his last, or is he truly destined to be the Oscars host for life?
