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Conan O’Brien‘s first Oscars hosting gig has evolved into his second — the comedian will return as the 2026 Oscars host.
The comedian will be back as emcee of the 98th Academy Awards live from the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang announced Monday. They also revealed that the 2026 Oscars will air on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ABC.
“The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech,” said O’Brien in a press statement, referencing the Best Actor winner breaking the record for the longest acceptance speech in Oscars history when The Brutalist star took the stage at the March 2 ceremony.
Overall, O’Brien drew positive reviews for his hosting performance, which included musical elements and a biting joke about Donald Trump, and led a ratings boost for the 2025 Academy Awards. The broadcast delivered a five-year viewership high for the Oscars, pulling in an audience of 19.69 million.
Outside of O’Brien, executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan will also return for the third consecutive year, alongside producers Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney returning for the second year in a row.
Rich Polk/Penske Media via Getty
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“We are thrilled to bring back Conan, Raj, Katy, Jeff and Mike for the 98th Oscars!” said Kramer and Yang in a 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.”
Sean Baker’s Anora was the big winner of 2025 Oscars night, with the comedy-drama scoring five trophies: Best Picture; Best Director, Editor, and Original Screenplay for Baker; and Best Actress for star Mikey Madison. Zoe Saldaña won Best Supporting Actress for Emilia Pérez, and A Real Pain star Kieran Culkin took home the Best Supporting Actor honor.
