Who holds the record for most Oscar hosts?

While the Academy Awards try to change it up every year with a new host, the occasional celebrity gets the honor of hosting multiple times. While Jimmy Kimmel has hosted the Oscars three times now, in 2023, 2018, and 2017 he doesn’t hold the record for most recurring Oscar host roles.

Actor and comedian Bob Hope holds the record for most frequent Oscars hosted, with 19 total appearances, either solo or as a cohost. Close behind him, Billy Crystal has hosted nine occasions.

When did Bob Hope host the Oscars?

Hope was a huge hit with the Oscars when his hosting duties began at the 12th annual Academy Awards in 1940. He went on to host the next three Oscar Awards, taking a break in 1944 and returning for the 1945 and 1946 Oscars as a cohost with John Cromwell and then James Stewart.

Hope’s longest successive run as Oscar host occurred from 1959 until 1962 and again four times in a row from 1965 until 1968. The 50th annual Academy Awards in 1978 was marked by Bob Hope’s 19th time hosting.

The Actor and Comedian was also a major hit regarding Oscar awards and nominations. Throughout his career, he received four honorary awards despite never receiving any nominations for his various roles.

Other frequent hosts

Similarly, the ‘Tonight Show’ host, Johnny Carson hosted the Oscars five times beginning in 1979 up until 1984. Actor Jack Lemmon also hosted four times total, including cohosting duties.

Whoopi Goldberg also made history twice when she hosted in 1994, making her the first actor of color and woman to host the annual award show alone. She went on to host four total times, in 1994, 1996, 1999, and 2002.

Several celebrities have had the honor of hosting at least twice, including Ellen DeGeneres, Chris Rock, Jon Stewart, Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, and Frank Sinatra.