LOS ANGELES -- Conan O'Brien is set to make a grand return as the host of the 98th Academy Awards, officially announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Monday, March 17, 2025. Following his successful debut as host at the 97th Oscars held earlier this month, O'Brien's return has been highly anticipated.
"The only reason I'm hosting the Oscars next year is I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech," O'Brien joked, referencing Brody's lengthy and memorable Best Actor acceptance speech at the recent ceremony. This lighthearted comment echoes O'Brien's penchant for humor, which was evident during his inaugural hosting gig.
The 98th Academy Awards are scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. Brought to life on ABC, the event is expected to draw millions of viewers, just like its predecessor, which recorded more than 19 million viewers, marking it the highest-rated telecast of the event in five years.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang expressed their enthusiasm about O'Brien's return, stating, "We are thrilled to bring back Conan, Raj, Katy, Jeff and Mike for the 98th Oscars!" Their excitement is fueled not only by O'Brien's vibrant hosting style but also the success of this year's show which provided abundant entertainment and celebrated the global film community.
O'Brien is already considered one of the most recognizable faces on television. Hosting on various platforms, including his highly acclaimed late-night shows, the comedian has created memorable moments, not just on the Oscars stage, but also through programs like "Late Night with Conan O’Brien," "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien," and the recent travel show "Conan O'Brien Must Go." His career extends to notable writing roles, including stints on "Saturday Night Live" and "The Simpsons."
Joining Conan on stage will be Emmy Award-winning producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, returning for their third consecutive year. Along with them, Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney, who will also take on writing duties, are set to reprise their roles as producers for the broadcast. The synergy between O'Brien and the production team is palpable, promising yet another exciting evening of cinematic celebration.
Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group, lauded O'Brien’s previous performance: "Conan delivered an unforgettable performance at The Oscars, and we’re honored to have him and the producing team back next year." Undoubtedly, O'Brien's unique comedic style resonates well with the Oscars, capturing moments with both humor and warmth.
The success of the 97th Academy Awards serves as encouragement for the upcoming ceremony. Notably, the telecast garnered over 104.2 million social interactions, outperforming other major events this season, including the Grammy Awards and even the Super Bowl.
During his first hosting venture, O’Brien filled the evening with relevant and engaging commentary. His insightful jabs at nominees and current pop culture references endeared him to both the audience at the Dolby Theatre and the viewers at home.
This year’s Oscars not only excelled in audience engagement but also made significant strides with younger demographics, boasting increased ratings. The ceremony tallied 4.5 ratings among adults aged 18-49 — the highest over the last five years.
With preparations now underway, expectations are high for the 98th Oscars. Executive producers Kapoor and Mullan expressed their eagerness, saying, "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."
O’Brien’s affection for the Academy Awards was clear prior to his first show, where he remarked, "I have an amazing team of writers. We have been going through tons of ideas, and I’m excited because I grew up watching the Oscars, and it is something imprinted on my memory." This emotional connection serves as the backbone of his approach to hosting the event.
Fans of the Academy Awards can expect the excitement to continue building as March 15, 2026, approaches. With O'Brien's witty charm and the production team's talent, the 98th Oscars are shaping up to be another memorable night honoring outstanding achievements in film.
For those wanting to catch all the action, the ceremony will air live at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ABC, ensuring viewers across the country can join the celebration of cinema's finest.
With over 10,500 members from the film industry, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences champions excellence and innovation within the cinematic arts. The Oscars not only celebrate accomplished individuals but also inspire the next generation of filmmakers, ensuring film remains alive and relevant for all audiences.
