Conan O'Brien, the beloved Emmy® Award-winning television host, writer, and comedian, is making waves again as he is set to return for his second consecutive year as the host of the prestigious Academy Awards, officially known as "The Oscars®." The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today, March 18, 2025, alongside Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang, the much-anticipated news. O'Brien’s return adds to the excitement surrounding the 98th Oscars, which will air live on ABC on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 7 p.m. EDT/4 p.m. PDT.
After his well-received performance at the 97th Oscars held on March 2, 2025, which attracted more than 19 million viewers, O'Brien's hosting was hailed as exceptional. He masterfully guided the audience through the evening, blending humor with genuine warmth and reverence for the film industry. The 97th Academy Awards not only broke viewers' records after five years but also secured its place as the most socially engaging television event of its season, racking up 104.2 million interactions on social media.
Conan shared his playful perspective on returning for another stint, jokingly stating, "The only reason I'm hosting the Oscars next year is I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech." This quip references Brody’s lengthy acceptance speech during the most recent ceremony, highlighting O'Brien's comedic style, which resonates well with audiences.
Joining O'Brien on stage again will be executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, who are returning for their third year. They, along with producers Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney, aim to replicate the success achieved during their last engagement as they seek to celebrate the brilliance of film and its nominees more impactfully. They expressed their honor through the statement: "We are thrilled to bring back Conan, Raj, Katy, Jeff, and Mike for the 98th Oscars! This year, they produced a hugely entertaining and visually stunning show... It is an honor to be working with them again."
The acclaim for O'Brien's comedic hosting style was reemphasized by Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group, who expressed excitement for the upcoming show, 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." The sentiment resonates strongly considering O'Brien's experience, which encompasses hosting numerous awards shows and popular late-night talk shows, forged over more than two decades.
For those unfamiliar with O'Brien's extensive career, it spans several key roles. Following his start as a writer on iconic television shows like "Saturday Night Live" and "The Simpsons," O'Brien has anchored popular late-night programs such as "Late Night with Conan O'Brien," "The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien," and most recently, his the entertaining podcast "Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend." His comedic prowess is backed by five Primetime Emmy Awards, with 31 nominations highlighting his influence and contributions to entertainment.
Academy executives, including Bill Kramer and Janet Yang, have recognized O'Brien’s impact on the awards ceremony. They noted the previous year's festivities and how it benefitted the overall viewership and engagement metrics. The success of the 97th Oscars reinforced the Academy's decision to bring O'Brien back to deliver another spectacular performance. His humor not only entertained but also connected with the audience on meaningful levels, making the evening memorable for everyone involved.
The 98th Oscars will once again take place at the illustrious Dolby Theatre, renowned for hosting significant events within the film industry. This year's ceremony promises to embrace the spirit of the cinematic experience with new heartfelt opportunities to celebrate the nominees and the global film community.
Adding to the excitement surrounding this yearly event, the Academy has proven its desire to capture the attention of both traditional audiences and the younger generation through social media engagement, which proved to be groundbreaking last year. With this aim, the team is preparing various fresh formats and interactive elements to appeal to audiences who continue to evolve within the entertainment space.
Viewers worldwide can look forward to Oscar night filled with laughter, tears, and all the glamour and glitz of Hollywood as they celebrate the best of the best. Under the seasoned guidance of O'Brien and with the collaborative efforts of esteemed producers, the 98th Academy Awards are bound to leave their mark as one of the most significant showcases of cinematic excellence.
Mark your calendars for March 15, 2026—the date when Conan O'Brien takes center stage once more, promising to curate not just awards but spectacular moments during the entire evening. The Academy is once again primed to deliver unforgettable entertainment with humor and heartfelt recognition of the artistry prevalent within the film industry.
