Conan O’Brien Confirmed as 2026 Oscars Host Following Record Viewership

The Academy announces O’Brien’s return alongside the 2025 production team after a successful hosting debut.

Conan O’Brien will host the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, marking his second consecutive year as Oscars host.
The 2025 Oscars, hosted by O’Brien, achieved a five-year high in viewership with 19.69 million viewers and significant social media engagement, surpassing the Grammys and the Super Bowl in interactions.
O’Brien’s hosting style, praised for its humor, warmth, and avoidance of heavy political commentary, was highlighted as a key factor in the ceremony’s success.
The 2026 ceremony will also see the return of executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, along with producers Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney.
The unusually early announcement of O’Brien’s return reflects the Academy’s confidence in his hosting abilities and the production team’s performance.