Conan O’Brien is set to return as the host of the 99th Academy Awards (Oscars) in 2027, marking his third consecutive year in this role. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, along with Disney Television Group, announced this during their annual upfront presentations. The event is scheduled for Sunday, March 14, 2027, and will be broadcast live on ABC and streamed on Hulu from the Dolby Theatre.
The entertainment industry is applauding the decision to retain O’Brien, a consistent creative force during a time of significant changes in network broadcasting. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor expressed their deep appreciation for O’Brien’s ongoing collaboration. They highlighted how his unique blend of wit and warmth has enhanced the celebration of global cinema over the past two years.
“We are thrilled to be working again with Conan, Raj, Katy, Jeff, and Mike for the 99th Oscars,” Kramer and Howell Taylor stated jointly. “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 honor our global film community.”
Securing the Legacy at Hollywood’s Ovation
The trilogy event Hollywood’s been waiting for.
Conan O’Brien returns to host the Oscars LIVE on Sunday, March 14, 2027.
Full press release: https://t.co/rA5ZHTnlOL pic.twitter.com/OYJ3DbuP9p
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) May 12, 2026
Conan O’Brien’s return to the Oscars stage in 2027 marks the completion of a rare late-night hosting trilogy. His continued presence provides stability as television networks brace for significant logistical changes in the near future. The 2027 Oscars will be the second-to-last ceremony held at the historic Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood.
This event will also be the penultimate broadcast under Disney’s current television contract. Starting in 2029 with the 101st awards ceremony, the broadcast will transition exclusively to YouTube, and the live event will move permanently to the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles. O’Brien’s experience offers the Academy a steady presence amid these transitions.
Tracking the Television Ratings and Social Metrics
Live television specials heavily rely on traditional broadcast viewership metrics and digital audience engagement. O’Brien’s debut as host at the 97th Oscars in 2025 drew a record post-pandemic high of 19.69 million viewers, boosted by the success of the independent film “Anora” in major categories.
However, the 98th Oscars in 2026 saw ratings drop by approximately 9.3 percent, with 17.86 million domestic viewers tuning in. This decline accompanied the win of the thriller “One Battle After Another” as Best Picture. Despite lower linear ratings, social media engagement during the 2026 broadcast surged by over 42 percent compared to previous records. Craig Erwich, President of Disney Television Group, praised O’Brien’s ability to transform the Oscars into a viral and entertaining spectacle.
Assembling the Backstage Creative Team
A successful live broadcast depends on its experienced production crew. Executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan are set to lead the program for their fourth consecutive year. They will be joined by comedy collaborators Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney, who will produce the show for a third time. Sweeney will continue as the head writer for the comedic segments. Kapoor and Mullan expressed the strong professional trust within this team, praising O’Brien’s warmth and generosity, which make the demanding production process enjoyable.
Surviving the Infamous Host for Life Sketch
The announcement of O’Brien’s return is tinged with irony for pop-culture fans. During the 2026 broadcast, a pre-taped comedy sketch humorously depicted O’Brien as being named the “Oscars host for life” before being comically “killed” by green gas. Fans speculated how the show would continue after this fictional demise. O’Brien attributes his relentless career drive to a deep-seated comedic urge.
His long-time producing partner Jeff Ross shared that he initially advised caution when the Academy first approached O’Brien. Ross reminded him that the goal post-late night was to engage in fun projects. Nevertheless, O’Brien was eager to return, driven by a desire he likened to a “little bearded Viking” inside him, which also led him to succeed David Letterman without prior experience and tackle challenging endeavors like live award shows. The entertainment world can anticipate another dynamic and unscripted Oscars night.
Featured image: Andrew Eccles/Disney
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