Conan O’Brien Returns to Host 99th Oscars Amid Substantial Academy Rule Changes
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor have confirmed that Conan O’Brien will return to host the 99th Oscars for a third consecutive year. Simultaneously, the Academy’s Board of Governors has approved major governance updates and rule changes for the 2027 ceremony, emphasizing human-led creative work and updated eligibility standards.
RMN Stars Awards Desk
New Delhi | May 13, 2026
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has officially announced the return of its core creative leadership for the 99th Oscars. Emmy Award-winning host, writer, and producer Conan O’Brien is set to lead the broadcast for the third year in a row, joined by a veteran production team that has overseen the ceremony’s recent creative successes. The event is scheduled to air live on ABC and Hulu on Sunday, March 14, 2027, from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood.
A Proven Creative Team Returns
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor emphasized the importance of O’Brien’s “brilliance and humor” in their decision to reunite the hosting and production staff. Joining O’Brien are executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, who return for their fourth consecutive year. The production is further bolstered by the return of Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney, who will serve as producers for a third time, with Sweeney also acting as a writer.
“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
The returning team brings significant industry pedigree. Kapoor and Mullan both won Emmy Awards for their work on the 96th Oscars. Kapoor’s diverse credits include the Grammy Awards, the Latin Grammys, and the Paris Olympics LA28 Handover. Mullan, a partner at Done + Dusted, has previously produced the London Olympics ceremonies and various high-profile live musical specials. O’Brien’s own career spans over two decades of late-night hosting, writing for Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons, and his current work on the “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” podcast.
Modernizing Academy Standards
While the production team represents continuity, the 99th Oscars will operate under a modernized framework. The Academy’s Board of Governors recently approved substantive rule changes regarding acting eligibility, international film submissions, and technical requirements. These updates are designed to align the ceremony with modern industry standards, including a revised focus on inclusion and promotional regulations.
A central tenet of these new regulations is a “heavy emphasis on human-led creative work”. This focus reflects the Academy’s broader initiative to address evolving technology in film production while maintaining the integrity of artistic contributions from its membership, which now exceeds 10,500 artists and industry leaders worldwide.
Global Broadcast and Cultural Impact
The 99th Oscars aims to build on the “remarkable energy” noted by Craig Erwich, President of Disney Television Group, who praised O’Brien’s singular comedic voice. The ceremony remains a massive global undertaking, set to air in more than 200 territories.
The collaboration between O’Brien and executive producers Kapoor and Mullan has been described by the producers as a “true creative partnership”. By retaining a team that has produced what leadership calls “captivating, entertaining and heartfelt shows,” the Academy seeks to provide a stable platform for the significant eligibility and governance shifts taking place behind the scenes.
