Conan O’Brien to Return as Oscars Host in 2026
The late-night comedian, who led the Oscars for the first time this year, will reprise his role after delivering the show’s highest viewership in five years.
Conan O’Brien will return to host the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026, the Academy announced on Monday. The late-night comedian, who led the Oscars for the first time this year, will reprise his role after delivering the show’s highest viewership in five years.
“The only reason I'm hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech,” O'Brien joked in a statement.
The 97th Academy Awards, held earlier this month, attracted an estimated 19.7 million viewers, according to broadcaster ABC. The ceremony, which saw "Anora" win Best Picture, also performed strongly among younger audiences, particularly in the 18-49 age group, with a significant boost from mobile and laptop streaming. It became the most-watched prime-time entertainment show of 2025.
Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group, praised O'Brien’s performance:
"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."
O'Brien will be joined by the same production team as this year, with Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan returning as executive producers and Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney as producers. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang described the 2025 broadcast as “hugely entertaining and visually stunning,” crediting O’Brien for skillfully balancing humor, warmth, and reverence.
The Oscars also outperformed the Grammys and the Super Bowl in social media engagement, according to organizers. The event was streamed live on Hulu for the first time, though it faced some technical glitches.
The early announcement of next year’s host and production team marks an unusually swift decision by the Academy and ABC.
