Conan O’Brien Set to Host 2026 Oscars on March 15

Conan O’Brien will return as the host of the 98th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 15, 2026. The announcement was made by the leadership of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, confirming that the late-night comedian will lead the prestigious ceremony once again.

In a light-hearted statement, O’Brien noted, “The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech.” This remark reflects O’Brien’s signature humor, which resonated well with audiences during his debut hosting stint at the 97th Academy Awards earlier this month.

Record Viewership and Positive Reception

The 2025 Oscars, which O’Brien hosted for the first time, attracted an impressive 19.7 million viewers, making it the most-watched prime-time entertainment show of the year. The broadcast saw a significant increase in viewership among younger audiences aged 18 to 49, driven by mobile and laptop streaming.

Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group, expressed enthusiasm about O’Brien’s return, 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.” This sentiment was echoed by Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang, who praised the production team for their exceptional work in 2025.

Returning Production Team and Future Prospects

O’Brien will once again be joined by a familiar production team, including executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, along with producers Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney. Their collaboration was credited with creating a visually stunning show that celebrated the nominees and the global film community.

The 2025 ceremony also excelled in social media engagement, outperforming events like the Grammy Awards and the Super Bowl. This year’s Oscars were notably streamed live on Hulu, marking a significant step in broadcasting, despite some technical challenges during the live stream.

The early announcement of the hosting and producing teams, occurring less than a month after the latest Oscars, is unusual for the Academy and ABC, indicating a proactive approach to engaging audiences ahead of the next ceremony.

As excitement builds for the 2026 Academy Awards, O’Brien’s return promises another entertaining evening celebrating the best in film.