Conan O’Brien to Return as Host in 2026

Conan O’Brien, the beloved comedian, writer and producer who hosted the 97th Oscars telecast on March 2, has agreed to return and host the 98th Oscars telecast on March 15, 2026, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Monday.

The O’Brien-hosted Oscars generated many rave reviews (THR’s TV critic was high on O’Brien, if not the telecast overall), attracted a five-year high in both total viewers (19.69 million) and adults 18-49 (4.54 rating), and ranked as the No. 1 primetime entertainment telecast in both total viewers and adults for the 2024-25 season. It also generated 104.2 million total social interactions, ranking as the No. 1 most-socialed TV program season-to-date, outperforming both the Grammys (102.2 million) and the Super Bowl (62.4 million) for the first time.

Also returning alongside O’Brien: executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan (who served in those capacities for the last two telecasts) and producers Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney.

“We are thrilled to bring back Conan, Raj, Katy, Jeff and Mike for the 98th Oscars,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and outcoming president Janet Yang said 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.”

O’Brien, for his part, cracked: “The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech.” (He also recently shared behind-the-scenes details of his hosting experience on his podcast Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend.)

“Conan delivered an unforgettable performance at the Oscars, and we’re honored to have him and the producing team back next year,” added Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group. “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.”

Said Kapoor and Mullan: “We are both so honored to be returning in our roles for the 98th Oscars. 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.”