Conan O’Brien will return to host the Academy Awards for a second consecutive year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced on Monday. After a highly successful Oscars ceremony this year, which attracted nearly 20 million viewers and saw a slight uptick in ratings, O’Brien will once again take the reins for the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026.
The announcement was made by Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang, who expressed their excitement about O’Brien’s return. In a joint statement, they praised his exceptional hosting skills during this year’s show, highlighting how he “skillfully guided us through” the event, which featured the indie film Anora taking home the prestigious Best Picture award.
In addition to Anora‘s victory, the night also saw Adrien Brody winning Best Actor for his role in The Brutalist. Brody made history by delivering the longest acceptance speech ever at the Oscars, clocking in at an impressive five minutes and 40 seconds. Reflecting on this, O’Brien humorously noted, “The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech.”
With his witty humor and knack for making the ceremony a memorable event, O’Brien’s return as host has already generated excitement for the 2026 Oscars, promising another night of laughs, surprises, and unforgettable moments.
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