Oscars 2027: Conan O’Brien to return as host for third consecutive year
Comedian Conan O’Brien is set to return to host the Oscars for the third consecutive year in 2027, it has been revealed.
The former late-night host is set to take the helm for the 99th annual Oscars, taking place on March 14th, 2027, at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, returning for his third year on duty after the start of his stint at the awards in 2025.
Announcing the news on May 12th, the Academy noted that executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan will also return to their roles, saying in a statement, “They are an incredible team and have produced such captivating, entertaining and heartfelt shows over the last two years.”
The awards body added that it was excited to see “Conan superbly leading the celebration with his brilliance and humor”.
The 2026 Oscars was very much the year of One Battle After Another, with the Paul Thomas Anderson epic taking home a haul of the night’s biggest awards, including ‘Best Director’ and ‘Best Picture’.
For O’Brien, however, the news of his return must come as a relief since he joked during the ceremony that he was, “honored to be the last human host of the Academy Awards… Next year it’s going to be a Waymo in a tux.”
With the comedian confirmed as host, it secures one consistent aspect of the awards in a period of years in which it will undergo some stark changes. Last month, the Academy announced that it will now allow actors to be nominated in the same category for more than one film, as well as banning any work done by AI from being nominated.
On top of this, the historic Dolby Theater will be receiving its penultimate awards rodeo in 2027, as the Oscars is set to move to the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles, ending the venue partnership that has been held since 2002.
In another barrage of change, the 2029 Oscars will also be the first to not be broadcast on traditional television, with the Academy striking up a partnership with YouTube that is set to last until at least 2033.
It said the move would “allow us to expand access to the work of the Academy to the largest worldwide audience possible — which will be beneficial for our Academy members and the film community.”
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