The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that Conan O’Brien will return as host for the 98th Academy Awards, set for March 15, 2026. The comedian and late-night talk show legend will reprise his role as emcee at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles after a successful run at this year’s Oscars.
The announcement was made by Bill Kramer, the CEO of the Academy, and Janet Yang, the Academy’s president. Both executives confirmed the return of Emmy-winning producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, who will lead the show for a third consecutive year.
“We are thrilled to bring back Conan, Raj, Katy, Jeff, and Mike for the 98th Oscars!” said Kramer and Yang in a joint statement. “This year, they produced a hugely entertaining and visually stunning show that celebrated our nominees and the global film community in the most beautiful and impactful way. Conan was the perfect host—skillfully guiding us through the evening with humor, warmth, and reverence. It is an honor to be working with them again.”
O’Brien, known for his witty humor and self-deprecating style, expressed his excitement about returning to the Oscars stage. In a statement, he joked, “The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech.” The remark referenced Brody’s famous acceptance speech for “The Pianist,” which became the longest in Oscars history.
The 97th Oscars, held earlier this month, saw O’Brien’s hosting performance receive widespread acclaim, contributing to a significant boost in viewership for the ceremony. With 19.69 million viewers tuning in, the Oscars garnered its highest ratings in five years, while also making waves on social media with over 104.2 million interactions. This number surpassed both the Grammys and the Super Bowl in terms of online engagement.
Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group, praised O’Brien’s performance, calling it “unforgettable.” He continued, “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.”
Behind the scenes, Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan will return as producers for the third year in a row. Kapoor and Mullan have already set high expectations for the 98th Academy Awards, promising another visually stunning celebration of cinema. “We are both so honored to be returning in our roles for the 98th Oscars,” the duo said in a statement. “We can’t wait to work with Conan and his entire team as we continue to explore even more special and heartfelt opportunities to celebrate next year’s nominees and the impact of film around the world.”
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Conan O’Brien’s return to the Oscars is yet another milestone in his illustrious career, which spans decades of television and comedy. Currently, O’Brien hosts the popular podcast “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” and the HBO/Max travel series “Conan O’Brien Must Go.” He will also appear in the upcoming feature film If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, slated for release in the near future.
Though the official list of films vying for Oscar glory in 2026 is still to be determined, the film calendar for that year looks promising. Several exciting titles have already been previewed, with big-budget blockbusters like Wicked: For Good, directed by Jon M. Chu, joining the ranks. Additionally, auteur-driven projects such as Chloé Zhao’s adaptation of the novel Hamnet are generating buzz, along with two separate Frankenstein films—Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, starring Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi, and Maggie Gyllenhaal’s The Bride, which stars Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale.
The 98th Academy Awards will air live on ABC on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, from the Dolby Theatre in Ovation Hollywood.
As the entertainment world gears up for another thrilling Oscars ceremony, Conan O’Brien’s return promises to deliver an evening filled with laughter, memorable moments, and, undoubtedly, a few surprises along the way.
