Additional Coverage:
- Conan O’Brien will be back as the Oscars host in 2026 (nbcnews.com)
Conan O’Brien’s Oscar Hosting Gig: Round Two!
Get ready for more laughs! Conan O’Brien will return as host of the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the comedian’s second consecutive hosting stint on Monday. O’Brien, in his signature comedic style, quipped, “The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech.”
This year’s Oscars, hosted by O’Brien, drew the largest television audience in five years, with an estimated 19.7 million viewers tuning in. The broadcast proved a hit with younger audiences, particularly those aged 18 to 49, who increasingly watched on mobile devices and laptops. This viewership surge made the awards ceremony the most-watched prime-time entertainment show of 2025.
Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group, praised O’Brien’s performance, 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 production team behind this year’s successful broadcast will also return, including executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, and producers Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang expressed their enthusiasm for the team’s return, noting the “hugely entertaining and visually stunning show” they produced this year. They lauded O’Brien’s hosting abilities, describing him as the “perfect host” who guided the evening with “humor, warmth and reverence.”
The 2025 Oscars also proved a social media triumph, exceeding the online buzz of both the Grammy Awards and the Super Bowl. The show was streamed live on Hulu for the first time, although some technical glitches were reported. The Academy’s swift announcement of the host and production team for the 2026 ceremony, less than a month after this year’s event, is unusually early.
Read More About This Story:
- Conan O’Brien will be back as the Oscars host in 2026 (nbcnews.com)