Just weeks after hosting the 97th Oscars, Conan O’Brien has been announced as the host for next year’s 98th Oscars. His performance throughout the ceremony was humorous, enjoyable, and helped keep the hours-long show continuing forward. His natural wit was on display throughout the night and earned him an invitation back.
Along with the return of O’Brien, Emmy Award-winning live television event producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan return as the show’s executive producers for the third consecutive year. The announcement was made by Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang. Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney will return as producers for a second time, and Sweeney will also serve as a writer. The 98th Oscars will be airing on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 7:00 PM EDT/4:00 PM PDT.
“We are thrilled to bring back Conan, Raj, Katy, Jeff and Mike for the 98th Oscars!” said Kramer and Yang. “This year, they produced a hugely entertaining and visually stunning show that celebrated our nominees and the global film community in the most beautiful and impactful way. Conan was the perfect host — skillfully guiding us through the evening with humor, warmth and reverence. It is an honor to be working with them again.”
“The only reason I’m hosting The Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech,” said O’Brien. This year, Brody gave the longest speech in Oscars history.
“Conan delivered an unforgettable performance at The Oscars, and we’re honored to have him and the producing team back next year,” said Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group. “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.”
“We are both so honored to be returning in our roles for the 98th Oscars,” said Kapoor and Mullan. “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.”
Conan O’Brien is best known for hosting the late-night talk shows Late Night with Conan O’Brien, The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien and Conan. Before his more than two-decade hosting career, he served as a writer for Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons. He now hosts the Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend podcast, MAX travel show Conan O’Brien Must Go, and also has a supporting role in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. He has won five Primetime Emmys and earned 31 nominations for his work.
With O’Brien as the host, The Oscars had a very successful year and delivered a five-year high for Total Viewers (19.69 million) and Adults 18-49 (4.54 rating). It also ranked as the No. 1 primetime entertainment telecast in terms of both Total Viewers and Adults for the 2024-2025 season. The show also earned 104.2 million total social interactions, ranking as the No. 1 most social TV program season to date. It outperformed both The GRAMMY® Awards (102.2 million interactions) and The Super Bowl (62.4 million) this season for the first time on record.
What do you think about Conan O’Brien returning to host the Oscars next year? Did you see him host this year? How do you think he did? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
