Conan O’Brien is officially returning to the Oscars stage in 2026, making him the first back-to-back Academy Awards host in over two decades. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced that O’Brien will headline the 98th Oscars on March 15, 2026—following what many hailed as a triumphant hosting debut at the 97th Academy Awards earlier this month.
O’Brien’s return signals a renewed focus on comedy-driven hosts after years of experimentation with hostless ceremonies and rotating celebrity presenters. His 2025 performance marked a turning point for the show, drawing the biggest television audience for the Oscars in five years—an estimated 19.7 million viewers tuned in across the U.S., according to Nielsen ratings. Critics praised his sharp wit, self-deprecating humor, and ability to poke fun at Hollywood without alienating its stars. The Los Angeles Times described his debut as “a masterclass in balancing irreverence with respect.”
In typical Conan fashion, O’Brien responded to the announcement with his trademark dry humor: “The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech.” A throwback to Brody’s famously protracted (and memorable) 2003 acceptance speech for The Pianist, the joke underlines the playful energy O’Brien brought to this year’s ceremony—a vibe many felt had been missing from recent awards shows.
Why Conan’s Return Matters
O’Brien’s reappointment reflects a broader strategy by the Academy to rejuvenate interest in the Oscars after years of declining ratings and relevance. Since 2018, the Oscars have struggled to find the right formula—going hostless for several years, inviting multiple co-hosts (as they did in 2022 with Regina Hall, Amy Schumer, and Wanda Sykes), and trying to strike a balance between appealing to both Hollywood insiders and mainstream audiences.
By bringing back a seasoned late-night veteran with a fiercely loyal fanbase and decades of TV experience—including his 16-year run hosting Late Night with Conan O’Brien and 11 years on Conan—the Academy seems to have found its footing again. O’Brien’s ability to connect with viewers young and old, as well as his comfort with live television and improv, make him an ideal choice for a show often plagued by awkward moments and pacing issues.
A Historic Hosting Streak
Conan’s back-to-back hosting gig is historic in itself. The last time a host helmed consecutive Oscars was Billy Crystal, who famously led the ceremony for four straight years between 1990 and 1993, and then returned multiple times thereafter. O’Brien joins an elite club that includes not only Crystal but also Johnny Carson, Whoopi Goldberg, and Bob Hope, who all brought stability and comedic charm to the event over multiple appearances.
A Team Effort Behind the Scenes
The 2026 Oscars will once again be executive produced by Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, with Jeff Ross and longtime O’Brien collaborator Mike Sweeney joining the production team. Insiders say this continuity behind the scenes will help the show build on the success of the previous year, ensuring tighter pacing, more engaging segments, and a host of surprises.
What To Expect in 2026
Fans can anticipate a show that leans even more into O’Brien’s strengths—irreverent monologues, quick-witted audience interactions, and perhaps even pre-taped sketches reminiscent of his late-night comedy bits. In 2025, O’Brien’s opening monologue earned rave reviews for skewering Hollywood’s excesses while celebrating its achievements. If the Academy’s early announcement is any indication, they’re betting that giving O’Brien and his team more time to craft the 2026 broadcast will pay off in an even more polished, entertaining spectacle.
With the Oscars struggling in recent years to hold cultural relevance in an era of streaming content and fragmented audiences, O’Brien’s steady hand and offbeat humor may be exactly what’s needed to restore the Academy Awards to their former glory.
Key Takeaways
- Conan O’Brien will host the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026, returning for a second consecutive year.
- The early announcement gives the production team nearly a full year to prepare for the ceremony.
- O’Brien’s return suggests the Academy was pleased with his performance and believes he can help maintain or boost viewership.
Announcement and Production Team
The Academy has officially confirmed Conan O’Brien will return as host for the 98th Oscars ceremony on March 15, 2026. This announcement comes with details about the leadership team that will work behind the scenes to produce the prestigious event.
Official Oscars Host Reveal
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made the announcement on Monday, March 17, 2025, that Conan O’Brien will return to host the Oscars for a second consecutive year. The selection follows O’Brien’s successful hosting of the 97th Oscars on March 2, 2025.
Academy President Janet Yang expressed confidence in the decision, noting O’Brien’s previous performance earned both critical acclaim and strong viewership numbers. “Conan brought fresh energy and his signature humor to the ceremony,” Yang stated in the official announcement.
Bill Kramer, Academy CEO, highlighted how O’Brien’s return aligns with their strategy to build on this year’s momentum for the 2026 ceremony.
Executive Production Squad
The production team for the 2026 Oscars brings together experienced professionals from both television and live event production. Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan have been confirmed as executive producers for the telecast.
Jeff Ross, O’Brien’s longtime producer, will join the team as a consulting producer. Ross has collaborated with O’Brien since his late-night television days and helped shape his comedic approach for the previous Oscar ceremony.
Mike Sweeney, O’Brien’s head writer, will lead the writing team for the broadcast. The Academy noted that maintaining continuity in leadership would help build on elements that worked well during the 2025 ceremony.
The production squad has already begun preliminary planning, with Kapoor stating they aim to “honor film while creating memorable moments for viewers worldwide.”
Impact and Expectations
Conan O’Brien’s return to the Oscars stage represents a significant moment for both the comedian and the Academy Awards. His 2025 performance earned praise for balancing humor with respect for the film industry’s biggest night.
Conan’s Career and Host Legacy
O’Brien brings decades of experience to the 98th Academy Awards. His late-night career spans over 28 years, making him one of the most seasoned hosts in television. His unique blend of self-deprecating humor and quick wit has built him a loyal following.
When O’Brien hosted the 97th Oscars in March 2025, viewers praised his ability to keep the ceremony moving while maintaining the event’s prestige. His comedy style strikes a balance between irreverent and respectful.
The hosting gig adds another prestigious credit to O’Brien’s already impressive resume, further cementing his place in entertainment history.
Projected Influence on the 98th Oscars
The 2026 ceremony, scheduled for March 15 at the Dolby Theatre, will likely benefit from O’Brien’s experience and established rapport with Hollywood’s elite. ABC and Disney executives hope his return will maintain or improve viewership numbers in key demographics.
O’Brien’s quip about “wanting to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech” signals his awareness of Oscar history and hints at his approach to the 2026 show.
Industry analysts expect O’Brien to bring his signature humor while respecting the ceremony’s importance to the global film community. His previous hosting experience suggests he’ll strike the right balance between comedy and reverence for cinema.
The Academy likely hopes O’Brien’s broad appeal will help attract both traditional Oscar viewers and younger audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
The upcoming Oscars ceremony in 2026 will feature Conan O’Brien as host, marking a significant return to the prestigious event. Many details about this entertainment news have sparked curiosity among movie fans and awards show enthusiasts.
Who will host the Oscars in 2026?
Conan O’Brien will host the 98th Academy Awards in 2026. The late-night host, writer, producer, and comedian was selected by the Academy to preside over the ceremony.
This will be his second consecutive year hosting the Oscars, following his planned appearance at the 2025 ceremony.
When was it announced that Conan O’Brien would return as an Oscars host?
The Academy announced Conan O’Brien’s return as the Oscars host well in advance of the ceremony. The announcement came as a relatively early decision compared to past years.
O’Brien humorously stated in the announcement, “The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech.”
How many times has Conan O’Brien hosted the Oscars prior to the 2026 ceremony?
Conan O’Brien will have hosted the Oscars once before the 2026 ceremony. His first time hosting the Academy Awards will be at the 2025 event.
The 2026 ceremony will mark his second consecutive year as Oscars host, showing the Academy’s confidence in his abilities.
Are there any special segments or themes planned for the Oscars with Conan O’Brien as host?
Specific details about special segments for the 2026 Oscars ceremony have not yet been announced. The Academy typically reveals show elements closer to the broadcast date.
Given O’Brien’s comedy background and unique style, viewers can likely expect his signature humor and possibly some of his recurring comedy bits adapted for the Oscars stage.
What changes are being made to the Oscars format with Conan O’Brien as the host in 2026?
No major format changes have been officially announced for the 2026 Oscars ceremony. The Academy may reveal adjustments to the show’s format as the event date approaches.
O’Brien’s return suggests his first hosting job will have been well-received, potentially indicating a desire to maintain similar elements from the 2025 show.
Where can viewers watch the Oscars ceremony with Conan O’Brien hosting?
The 98th Academy Awards will likely be broadcast on ABC, the network that has traditionally aired the Oscars ceremony. The event will also probably be available for streaming on ABC’s digital platforms.
International viewers will be able to watch through their country’s designated Oscars broadcaster, though specific channels vary by region.
