Conan O’Brien is set to return as the host of the Oscars in 2026. The popular late-night comedian will take the stage for the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, following his successful debut at this year’s ceremony.
In a light-hearted statement, O’Brien said, “The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech.” His hosting this year brought in the largest audience the Oscars have seen in five years, with an estimated 19.7 million viewers tuning in. This bump in viewership was particularly strong among younger audiences, indicating a renewed interest in the prestigious awards show.
Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group, expressed excitement about O’Brien’s return, noting that his unique comedic style resonated well with the audience and contributed greatly to the event’s success. The 97th Academy Awards not only captivated viewers but also became the most-watched prime-time entertainment show of 2025.
Next year, O’Brien will be joined by a familiar team, including executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, and producers Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang praised the team’s previous work, highlighting how they created a visually stunning and entertaining show that celebrated nominees and the film community.
Additionally, this year’s Oscars made a significant impact on social media, outperforming other major events like the Grammy Awards and the Super Bowl. The ceremony was particularly notable as it was the first time the Oscars were live-streamed on Hulu, although there were some technical difficulties.
This advance announcement of the hosting and producing teams for next year’s awards is unusual, as it comes less than a month after this year’s event, signaling a commitment to maintaining momentum and viewer engagement for the Oscars in the future.
