With biting jokes, musical elements, and a refreshing vibe, Conan O'Brien delivered the Oscar ceremony the audience had longed for. His performance and speeches struck such a chord with viewers that many hoped he would return for a second year — and their wish has been granted. Conan will once again host the 98th Academy Awards.
According to EW, Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang made the announcement on Monday, also revealing that the 2026 Oscars will air on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ABC.
"We are thrilled to bring back Conan, Raj, Katy, Jeff, and Mike for the 98th Oscars!" Kramer and Yang shared in a statement. "This year, they produced an incredibly entertaining and visually stunning show, celebrating our nominees and the global film community in the most impactful way. Conan was the perfect host — gracefully guiding us through the evening with humor, warmth, and reverence. It’s an honor to work with them again."
Conan’s return follows the successful collaboration with executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, who will return for the third consecutive year, alongside producers Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney for their second year.
As is typical of Conan, he commented on the news with his signature sarcastic tone:
"The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech."
He quipped in a press statement, poking fun at the Brutalist star for breaking the record for the longest acceptance speech in Oscar history at the March 2 ceremony. Conan’s self-deprecating humor and irreverence remain at the heart of his hosting charm.
However, Conan isn't the first to host the Oscars back-to-back. Bob Hope holds the record for hosting the Academy Awards a staggering 19 times, often in consecutive years, such as in 1952 and 1953. Johnny Carson, too, made his mark, hosting the Oscars for five consecutive years from 1979 to 1984.
