Conan O’Brien is returning to the Oscars stage as the host for the 98th Academy Awards, which will take place on March 15, 2026. The announcement was made by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Monday.

After his successful debut this year, where the Oscars attracted an impressive 19.7 million viewers, the largest audience in five years, O'Brien expressed excitement about his return. “The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech,” he jokingly commented in a statement.

This year’s show was noted for its appeal to younger viewers, particularly among the key demographic of 18 to 49, which contributed to its ratings boost. “Conan’s unique comedic style perfectly captured the moment,” said Craig Erwich, President of Disney Television Group, highlighting the excitement surrounding O'Brien's return.

Returning alongside O’Brien will be the production team, including executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, as well as producers Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney. The Academy’s leadership celebrated the effectiveness of O'Brien's hosting, noting his ability to steer the ceremony with "humor, warmth, and reverence."

This year's show also broke records on social media and was the first Oscars to be streamed live on Hulu, creating an expanded outreach despite some technical issues during the broadcast. With high anticipation for the 2026 Oscars, the Academy aims to continue the success of its recent format while engaging both traditional and digital audiences.

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