Conan O’Brien, the beloved comic, author and producer who hosted the 97th Oscars telecast on March 2, has agreed to return and host the 98th Oscars telecast on March 15, 2026, the Academy of Movement Image Arts and Sciences introduced Monday.
The O’Brien-hosted Oscars generated many rave evaluations (THR’s TV critic was excessive on O’Brien, if not the telecast total), attracted a five-year excessive in each complete viewers (19.69 million) and adults 18-49 (4.54 score) and ranked because the No. 1 primetime leisure telecast in each complete viewers and adults for the 2024-25 season. It additionally generated 104.2 million complete social interactions, rating because the No. 1 most-socialed TV program season-to-date, outperforming each the Grammys (102.2 million) and the Tremendous Bowl (62.4 million) for the primary time.
Additionally coming again alongside O’Brien: government producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan (who served in these capacities for the final two telecasts) and producers Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney.
“We’re thrilled to deliver again Conan, Raj, Katy, Jeff and Mike for the 98th Oscars,” Academy CEO Invoice Kramer and outcoming president Janet Yang mentioned in an announcement. “This yr, they produced a vastly entertaining and visually gorgeous present that celebrated our nominees and the worldwide movie neighborhood in essentially the most stunning and impactful manner. Conan was the right host — skillfully guiding us by way of the night with humor, heat and reverence. It’s an honor to be working with them once more.”
O’Brien, for his half, cracked: “The one purpose I’m internet hosting the Oscars subsequent yr is that I wish to hear Adrien Brody end his speech.” (He additionally not too long ago shared behind-the-scenes particulars of his internet hosting expertise on his podcast Conan O’Brien Wants a Pal.)
“Conan delivered an unforgettable efficiency on the Oscars, and we’re honored to have him and the manufacturing group again subsequent yr,” added Craig Erwich, president of Disney Tv Group. “Conan’s distinctive comedic fashion completely captured the second, and I’m excited to have his skills again onstage subsequent yr to helm one other indelible efficiency.”
Mentioned Kapoor and Mullan: “We’re each so honored to be returning in our roles for the 98th Oscars. We will’t wait to work with Conan and his total group as we proceed to discover much more particular and heartfelt alternatives to rejoice subsequent yr’s nominees and the impression of movie all over the world.”