Conan O’Brien, the esteemed late-night host and comedian, is set to return as the host of the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026. This announcement follows his successful debut at the 97th Oscars, where his performance garnered widespread acclaim and contributed to a significant boost in viewership.
O’Brien’s Impact on the 2025 Oscars
In his inaugural appearance as the Oscars host in 2025, O’Brien’s unique comedic style resonated with audiences and critics alike. The ceremony attracted an estimated 19.7 million viewers, marking a five-year high in Oscars viewership. This surge was particularly notable among the 18 to 49 demographic, driven by mobile and laptop streaming from younger viewers.
O’Brien’s approach was characterized by a blend of humor, warmth, and reverence for the film industry. His performance was lauded for its refreshing departure from previous hosting styles, bringing a sense of enthusiasm and enjoyment to the ceremony.
The Decision to Return
The decision to bring O’Brien back as host was met with enthusiasm from both the Academy and the broadcasting network. Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group, praised O’Brien’s ability to “perfectly capture the moment,” expressing excitement for his return to the Oscars stage.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang also expressed their honor in working again with O’Brien and the production team, highlighting the entertaining and visually stunning show they delivered in 2025.
The Return of the Production Team
Alongside O’Brien, the 2026 Oscars will see the return of executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, as well as producers Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney. This team was instrumental in the success of the previous ceremony, delivering a show that celebrated the global film community in a beautiful and impactful way.
O’Brien’s Perspective
In his characteristic humorous style, O’Brien commented on his return by saying, “The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech,” referencing the actor’s notably lengthy acceptance speech at the previous ceremony.
Reflecting on his initial hosting experience, O’Brien had expressed the meaningfulness of the opportunity, stating that being part of a night that celebrates impactful cinema was significant to him.
The Broader Trend in Awards Show Hosting
O’Brien’s return is part of a broader trend in awards show hosting, where emcees are being invited back due to positive receptions. For instance, Nikki Glaser is set to reprise her role as Golden Globes host after her acclaimed debut, and Trevor Noah has fronted the Grammy Awards for five consecutive years.
This shift indicates a renewed appreciation for the role of the host in awards ceremonies, moving away from the notion of it being a thankless job. Hosts who bring honesty, enthusiasm, and enjoyment to their roles are contributing to the resurgence in the popularity and viewership of these events.
Anticipation for the 2026 Oscars
With O’Brien at the helm once again, alongside the returning production team, expectations are high for the 98th Academy Awards. The ceremony is scheduled for March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, and will be broadcast live on ABC.
The Academy and audiences alike are looking forward to another entertaining and memorable evening that celebrates the achievements of the global film industry.
