Conan O’Brien Set to Host 99th Academy Awards, Third Consecutive Year
The 99th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 14, 2027, at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT. The ceremony will broadcast live on ABC and Hulu, reaching over 200 territories worldwide, honoring the best films of 2026.
"We are thrilled to be working again with Conan, Raj, Katy, Jeff and Mike for the 99th Oscars." — Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor
Production Team Returns
Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan will return as executive producers for the fourth consecutive year. Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney are back as producers for the third time, with Sweeney also serving as writer.
The announcement was made Tuesday by Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor, coinciding with Disney's upfronts in New York.
A Pivotal Year for Broadcast Rights
The 99th Oscars represent the penultimate event under Disney's current broadcast rights, which extend through the 100th edition in 2028. Starting in 2029, the telecast will move to YouTube with a new venue at the Peacock Theatre in downtown Los Angeles.
The "Host for Life" Offer
O'Brien's return was not under an option clause. Rob Mills, Walt Disney Television's Executive Vice President of Unscripted and Alternative Entertainment, confirmed the organization's enthusiasm:
"Conan has, obviously, a standing offer to host as long as he wants. 100% we'd love him back."
Mills stated that while O'Brien had not yet formally accepted the "host for life" offer, it was being treated as fact by the production team.
"Conan has created remarkable energy around The Oscars. His singular comedic voice makes Hollywood's biggest night one of the most entertaining celebrations of the year." — Craig Erwich, President of Disney Television Group
Previous Ceremony Ratings
O'Brien previously hosted the 97th and 98th Academy Awards:
- 97th Ceremony (2025): 19.69 million viewers
- 98th Ceremony (2026): 17.86 million viewers