Conan O’Brien to Return as Host of 2026 Oscars
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Conan-OBrien-Oscars-2025-Performance-030225-eb451f1d59ec4e1f816febc1f5bee00c.jpg)

The renowned comedian, Conan O’Brien, has been confirmed to host the 98th annual Academy Awards in 2026, following his successful debut this year. The Oscars ceremony is set to air on March 15, 2026, on ABC. O’Brien humorously stated in a press release that his primary motivation for returning as host is to hear Adrien Brody complete his acceptance speech, referring to Brody’s memorable moment at this year’s Oscars.

The event will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, and will see the return of executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, along with producers Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney. Sweeney will also join the writing team for the prestigious awards show. The decision to bring back the same team was applauded by Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang, who praised their work on the previous year’s visually stunning and entertaining show.
The 2025 Oscars, hosted by O’Brien for the first time, attracted over 19 million viewers, marking a five-year high in viewership. The comedian entertained the audience with his humour and wit, making playful jokes and references throughout the evening. Despite acknowledging the challenges of hosting such a significant event, O’Brien expressed his readiness to take on the role and guide the audience through the ceremony with warmth and humour.
Previous hosts of the Oscars include notable names like Jimmy Kimmel, Whoopi Goldberg, and Steve Martin. While Kimmel declined an offer to return for the 2025 show, the late Bob Hope holds the record for hosting the Oscars the most times, having graced the stage 19 times. Billy Crystal follows closely behind with nine hosting gigs.
The return of Conan O’Brien as host for the 2026 Oscars has generated excitement among fans and industry insiders alike. With his proven track record of entertaining audiences and navigating the complexities of live television, O’Brien is poised to deliver yet another memorable Oscars ceremony next year. His blend of humour, charm, and respect for the film industry makes him a fitting choice to lead Hollywood’s biggest night.
As preparations for the 98th Academy Awards get underway, the entertainment world eagerly anticipates the unique touch that Conan O’Brien will bring to the prestigious event. With his refreshing comedic style and deep appreciation for the art of filmmaking, O’Brien is set to captivate viewers and honour the best of the film industry come March 2026.
The 2026 Oscars promise to be a night filled with laughter, glamour, and heartfelt moments, as Conan O’Brien takes the stage once again to celebrate the magic of cinema and honour the talented individuals who bring stories to life on the silver screen. Stay tuned for more updates and announcements as Hollywood gears up for another star-studded awards ceremony under the guidance of the incomparable Conan O’Brien.
Stay connected with us for the latest updates on the entertainment world and exclusive insights into the upcoming 2026 Oscars hosted by the one and only Conan O’Brien. Don’t miss out on the excitement and glamour of Hollywood’s most prestigious night, as we count down to another unforgettable Oscars ceremony in March 2026.
In conclusion, Conan O’Brien’s return as host of the 2026 Oscars promises to bring a mix of humour, entertainment, and reverence to the celebrated event. With his unique comedic style and genuine appreciation for the film industry, O’Brien is set to deliver a memorable Oscars ceremony that honours the best in cinema and captures the hearts of audiences worldwide.
