Conan O’Brien has been confirmed to be returning to host the 2026 Oscars, following his well-received hosting debut during the 2025 awards ceremony. The 2025 Oscars were hosted by O’Brien, marking the comedian’s first time ever hosting the awards ceremony. His debut as the lead at the event came after comedian Jimmy Kimmel hosted the previous two Academy Awards. O’Brien’s first time onstage leading the show was met with critical acclaim, alongside the highest ratings for the Oscars in five years.
Now, The Academy has confirmed that O’Brien will be coming back to host the 98th Academy Awards in 2026, marking his second time in a row as the face of the event. In addition, they confirmed that executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, along with producers Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney, will be coming back to run the show behind the scenes. The 98th awards ceremony will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, airing live on ABC.
O’Brien joked that, “The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech.” Craig Erwich, Disney Television Group’s president, was also happy with his return, praising his hosting during the 2025 ceremony, while Kapoor and Mullan explained their gratitude to be back as executive producers. Check out what Erwich, Kapoor, and Mullan had to say below:
Craig Erwich: Conan delivered an unforgettable performance at ‘The Oscars,’ and we’re honored to have him and the producing team back next year. 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.
Raj Kapoor and Katy 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.
What O’Brien’s Return Means For The 2026 Oscars
Can His Successful Debut Be Replicated?
Given how reviews for the Oscars praised O’Brien’s hosting as a particularly standout part of the show, it’s no surprise he’s been chosen to come back to host once again. The ratings and reception for this latest Academy Awards means he could become one of the show’s regular faces, similar to how Kimmel has hosted the show four times so far. It’s also a step up from the ceremonies from 2019 to 2021, none of which had an official host to carry the show. A central figure garnering lots of praise is clearly important to the ceremony’s success.
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In addition to its success in ratings, the show also garnered 104.2 million social media reactions, making it more reacted to than the Grammys, which originally held the crown at 102.2 million. The success of the 2025 Oscars emphasizes the award ceremony healing after some big dips in ratings over recent years. By bringing O’Brien back, the ceremony can hit its stride once again, especially since the host’s comedic timing and respect for the audience made the show’s success revolve around his performance.
Our Take On O’Brien Returning To Host The 98th Oscars
He Deserves To Shine In The Spotlight Once Again
With O’Brien’s return confirmed, it sounds like the 98th Oscars are laying the groundwork for a similar format to this year’s ceremony. The inclusion of the host himself means the Academy has faith in the current direction of the show, believing it will help them rake in more viewership and stronger critical reception in the future. Since his comedic, professional approach to the Academy Awards was so well-liked, the same will probably be said for his hosting next year.
Source: The Academy
The Oscars
- Release Date
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March 19, 1953
- Directors
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Glenn Weiss, Alan Handley, George Seaton, Hamish Hamilton, Roger Goodman, Max Miller, Trevor Newman
- Writers
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Buz Kohan, Dave Boone, David Steinberg, Ed Driscoll, Hal Kanter, Jeff Cesario, Marc Shaiman, Jon Macks, Carol Leifer, Bruce Vilanch, Robert Wuhl, Dan Harmon, Phil Alden Robinson, Billy Crystal, Amberia Allen, John Hoffman, Mason Steinberg, Colleen Werthmann, Joelle Boucai, Greg Martin, Agathe Panaretos, Blaire Erskine, Louis Virtel, Jordan Rubin
