Conan O’Brien is set to achieve a hat trick as host and return to lead the Academy Awards for the third consecutive year in 2027.
The Academy made the announcement on Tuesday, May 12, confirming that the 63-year-old comedian will headline the 99th annual Oscars.
The rare move follows O’Brien’s critically acclaimed turns in 2025 and 2026, which saw the ceremony’s television ratings hit a five-year high.
The decision to recover the old late at night The star received high praise from industry leaders.
Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group, said Conan has created “remarkable energy” around the broadcast and described his comedic voice as a key factor in making Hollywood’s biggest night one of the most entertaining celebrations of the year.
O’Brien will reunite with executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, who are returning for the fourth year in a row and have praised him as a “true creative partner.”
O’Brien has joked about his recurring role, previously joking that the only reason he accepted the 2026 gig was to hear actor Adrien Brody finally finish his record-breaking acceptance speech.
Beyond the jokes, however, the role has deeply personal meaning for the host.
O’Brien has shared that watching his late father, Dr. Thomas O’Brien, laugh at Johnny Carson hosting the Oscars was a formative experience.
Following his father’s death in December 2024, O’Brien admitted that being a part of that same legacy feels like an amazing “cosmic” bond with his father.
