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Conan O'Brien is set to return as the host of the 98th Academy Awards in March 2026, following a successful debut that saw the 2025 ceremony attract 19.69 million viewers—the highest Oscars ratings in five years. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences confirmed his return on Monday, with Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang praising his performance. "Conan was the perfect host—skillfully guiding us through the evening with humor, warmth, and reverence," they said in a joint statement.
O'Brien, 61, joked that his motivation for returning was to "hear Adrien Brody finish his speech," referencing the actor's record-breaking acceptance speech for The Brutalist, which lasted 5 minutes and 37 seconds. While Brody may still be dealing with jokes about his lengthy oration, O'Brien's lighthearted monologue and seamless hosting were widely praised.
His return will also see the comeback of his production team, including Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney, while executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan will oversee their third consecutive Oscars broadcast. Disney Television Group President Craig Erwich also commended O'Brien's performance, stating, "Conan's unique comedic style perfectly captured the moment, and I'm excited to have his talents back onstage next year to helm another indelible performance."
As part of his preparation, O'Brien discussed his hosting experience on a special edition of his podcast, Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend, alongside Sweeney. The two revealed some behind-the-scenes details, including unexpected Academy rules—such as the requirement that "the Oscar statue can never be horizontal" and that no clothing could be placed on it during a planned comedy skit.
The 97th Academy Awards marked a new era for the Oscars, being simulcast live on Hulu for the first time, despite experiencing some technical glitches. With streaming accessibility expected to improve in 2026, the Academy is looking to build on the success of O'Brien's first outing.
O'Brien's return as host is expected to bring another night of humor and entertainment, with his signature comedic style appealing to a broad audience, including younger viewers. The 98th Academy Awards will air live on ABC on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.
