The Ultimate List: Every Oscar Host Ranked From Bob Hope To Conan O'Brien's Historic Back-to-Back Run

The role of the Oscar host is arguably the most thankless job in Hollywood, a high-wire act balancing reverence for cinema with sharp, must-watch comedy. The host is the central figure responsible for guiding the most-watched awards show in the world, a three-plus hour marathon that can either be a night of iconic moments or a disaster of awkward silence. As of December 13, 2025, the spotlight is firmly on a late-night legend who has just completed a successful run and is set to return for more, solidifying his place among the greats.

The history of the Academy Awards is inextricably linked to the comedians, actors, and personalities who have stood on that stage. From the record-holders who defined the role to the one-time hosts who delivered unforgettable controversy, this is a deep dive into the complete list of Oscar hosts, highlighting the most frequent, the most memorable, and the latest superstar to take the reins.

The Titans of the Telecast: Most Frequent Oscar Hosts of All Time

Hosting the Academy Awards is a monumental task, and only a select few have been asked to return time and time again. These individuals mastered the delicate balance of humor, charm, and timing, becoming synonymous with the ceremony itself. Their repeated appearances underscore their popularity and the Academy's trust in their ability to carry the show.

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• Bob Hope: 19 Times (1940–1978)

  The undisputed champion of Oscar hosts, Bob Hope set a benchmark that will likely never be matched. His tenure spanned nearly four decades, often hosting solo or sharing the stage with others. His signature topical jokes and unwavering presence defined the role for generations of hosts who followed.

• Billy Crystal: 9 Times (1990–2012)

  Widely credited with reinventing the host role for the modern era, Billy Crystal brought musical numbers, elaborate film parodies, and a genuine love for the movies to the stage. His nine appearances are the second-most of any individual, and his opening montages remain legendary.

• Johnny Carson: 5 Times (1979–1984)

  The King of Late Night brought his smooth, unflappable style to the Oscars stage five times. Johnny Carson’s cool demeanor and sharp, subtle wit provided a calming presence during a high-stakes broadcast.

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• Whoopi Goldberg: 4 Times (1994–2002)

  Whoopi Goldberg is one of the most beloved hosts, known for her fearless costumes, biting humor, and ability to connect with both the audience and the nominees. She was the first African-American woman to host the ceremony solo, leaving an indelible mark on the show's history.

• Jimmy Kimmel: 4 Times (2017, 2018, 2023, 2024)

  The current late-night star has become the go-to host for the 21st century. Jimmy Kimmel’s fourth turn was at the 96th Academy Awards in March 2024, where he successfully navigated the post-controversy era with a mix of topical jokes and self-deprecating humor.

The Current King of Comedy: Conan O'Brien's Back-to-Back Run

The most significant and current news in the world of Oscar hosting involves the return of a late-night icon. After years of speculation, the Academy finally handed the reins to Conan O'Brien, and the results have been overwhelmingly positive.

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The 97th Academy Awards (March 2025)

Conan O'Brien hosted the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, marking his debut as the ceremony's emcee. O'Brien, known for his surreal, quick-witted, and often absurd style of comedy developed over decades in late-night television, was met with widespread critical and fan acclaim. Critics praised his ability to balance impish humor with a palpable respect for the films, providing a much-needed jolt of energy and unpredictability to the often-stale broadcast. His performance was lauded as a major win for his unique comedic brand, often referred to as "Team Coco."

The 98th Academy Awards (March 2026)

In a rare move that signals the Academy's satisfaction, Conan O'Brien is set to return as the host of the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026. This back-to-back hosting gig is a clear endorsement of his successful debut and a commitment to maintaining the momentum he generated. The announcement, made well in advance of the ceremony, ensures that O'Brien will join the elite group of multi-time hosts, reinforcing his status as a major figure in the history of the telecast.

The Controversial and Memorable: Duos, Flops, and One-Timers

Not every host has been a hit. The pressure cooker environment of the Oscars has led to some of the most awkward and controversial moments in awards show history, often resulting in low ratings and critical backlash. The Academy has also experimented with various formats, including hosting duos and even no host at all.

The Most Criticized Hosts

The risk of hosting is high, and a few names consistently appear on the "Worst Hosts" lists due to perceived lack of chemistry, awkward monologues, or failing to connect with the audience.

• James Franco and Anne Hathaway (2011): This duo is frequently cited as one of the worst hosting pairings ever. Their lack of chemistry and Franco's seemingly detached performance led to a widely panned show that was described as disjointed and uncomfortable.
• David Letterman (1995): The late-night host’s attempt at humor, including the infamous "Oprah... Uma" bit, fell flat with both the live audience and viewers at home, leading to a critical mauling.
• Neil Patrick Harris (2015): Despite his background in Broadway and awards show hosting, NPH’s performance, including a controversial bit in his underwear, failed to generate buzz and was criticized for being over-produced and underwhelming.

Notable One-Time and Early Hosts

The early years of the Academy Awards saw a variety of hosts, often drawn from the ranks of film industry insiders and respected figures. The ceremony has also seen several unique and surprising choices:

• Will Rogers (1934): The legendary humorist and actor hosted the 6th Academy Awards.
• Ronald Reagan (1952, 1953): Before his political career, the future President of the United States hosted the ceremony twice.
• Donald Duck (1958): In a truly bizarre moment of television history, the animated character "hosted" alongside a number of human presenters.
• Seth MacFarlane (2013): The creator of Family Guy delivered a controversial performance that included the "We Saw Your Boobs" song, which drew both laughs and significant criticism for its perceived misogyny.

The history of the Oscar host is a fascinating mirror of Hollywood itself—a mix of timeless elegance, shocking controversy, and the relentless pursuit of an unforgettable moment. As Conan O'Brien prepares for his second consecutive run at the 98th Academy Awards, he carries the torch lit by Bob Hope and wielded by legends like Billy Crystal and Whoopi Goldberg, proving that in the world of cinema's biggest night, the host is the ultimate star.