Nigeria: Conan O’Brien returns as Oscars host for third consecutive year
By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria
Comedian and television host Conan O’Brien will return to lead the Academy Awards for the third year running, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirmed on May 13 2026. O’Brien, 63, will host the 99th Oscars on March 14, 2027, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood.
The announcement marks a vote of confidence in O’Brien’s handling of Hollywood’s biggest night. After taking over hosting duties in 2026, he quickly became a stabilizing presence for the ceremony, blending sharp wit with a reverence for the industry he’s been part of for decades.
“We look forward to Conan superbly leading the celebration with his brilliance and humor,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor in a joint statement announcing his return.
O’Brien’s appointment for 2027 will make him the first host to helm the Oscars three years in a row since Billy Crystal’s run in the early 1990s. The Academy has leaned on familiar, experienced hosts in recent years to steady ratings and restore a sense of tradition to the broadcast.
His style — self-deprecating, quick on his feet, and comfortable with both A-list stars and the industry’s quirks — has resonated with audiences and Academy leadership alike. Unlike some hosts who lean heavily on scripted bits, O’Brien’s strength lies in live reaction and audience rapport, a skill honed over more than 25 years in late-night television.
The 2027 ceremony will again be produced by Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, who are set to serve as executive producers for the fourth consecutive year. Their continued involvement signals the Academy’s preference for consistency behind the scenes as well as on stage.
The announcement came during Disney’s presentation of its 2026-2027 programming slate. Disney owns ABC, the network that broadcasts the Oscars in the U.S.
“Conan has created remarkable energy around the Oscars,” said Craig Erwich, President of Disney Television Group. “His singular comedic voice makes Hollywood’s biggest night one of the most entertaining celebrations of the year.”
Disney’s public support underscores the network’s desire to maintain momentum after a challenging period for awards show viewership. While the Oscars remain the most-watched entertainment awards program in the U.S., the broadcast has faced years of fluctuation as viewing habits shift toward streaming and on-demand content.
The 98th Academy Awards, held in March 2026, drew 17.9 million viewers across ABC and Hulu. That figure marked a slight dip from the previous year but still placed the ceremony far ahead of other awards shows in total audience. The broadcast was notable for Paul Thomas Anderson’s _One Battle After Another_ winning Best Picture, giving the director his first Oscar.
O’Brien is no stranger to high-profile hosting roles. A six-time Emmy Award winner, he hosted NBC’s _Late Night_ for 16 years before a brief stint on _The Tonight Show_ in 2009. After departing NBC, he launched _Conan_ on TBS, which ran for over a decade and cemented his reputation as one of television’s most inventive comedy voices.
In recent years, he has expanded beyond traditional TV. His podcast, _Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend_, consistently ranks among the top comedy podcasts globally, known for its long-form interviews with actors, directors, and musicians. He also hosts _Conan O’Brien Must Go_, an HBO travel series where he visits fans in different countries, blending cultural exploration with his trademark humor.
That mix of media experience has helped him adapt the Oscars to a modern audience. His monologues and in-show segments have leaned into viral moments and social media engagement without feeling forced, a balance the Academy has struggled to strike in the past.
With the 99th Oscars still nearly a year away, details about the ceremony remain under wraps. The Academy typically announces key production elements, including the musical performances and presenters, in the months leading up to the show.
Industry observers expect O’Brien’s third outing to lean further into the conversational, unpredictable energy that defined his first two years. His ability to pivot during live television has been cited by producers as a key reason for bringing him back, especially as the broadcast increasingly competes with real-time online commentary.
The 2027 Oscars will also arrive at a moment of transition for Hollywood. As studios navigate the effects of streaming consolidation, AI in production, and shifting audience tastes, the ceremony’s role as both a celebration and a barometer for the industry is under scrutiny. Having a host who understands both the history and the current state of entertainment gives the Academy a steady hand for that conversati
What sets O’Brien apart, according to those who’ve worked with him, is his respect for the room. He’s spent enough time in Hollywood to know its egos and insecurities, but he approaches the job without malice. His humor tends to target the absurdity of the industry itself rather than individual actors, a choice that has kept the show feeling celebratory even when it pokes fun.
That tone has helped the Oscars avoid some of the backlash that derailed other awards shows in recent years. By keeping the focus on film and the people who make it, O’Brien has managed to make the three-hour broadcast feel less like an endurance test and more like a late-night show with higher stakes.
As preparations for the 99th Academy Awards begin, the Academy is betting that continuity will serve it well. With O’Brien back at the podium, the 2027 Oscars will aim to deliver the same mix of humor, surprise, and genuine appreciation for cinema that has defined his tenure so far.
