This time around, Conan O’Brien must stay.
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang announced on Monday, March 17, just a couple weeks after the 2025 Academy Awards, that the Emmy Award-winning writer, producer and comedian will return as the host of the 98th Oscars, reuniting with the Emmy-winning executive producer duo Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan. Longtime O’Brien colleagues Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney will also return as producers, with the latter also serving as a writer for the show.
The 2025 Oscars, O’Brien’s first time hosting the show, was watched by 19.69 million viewers — a five-year high for the telecast. The former late night host for NBC and TBS also received positive reviews across the board, notably being more engaged with the nominees than his Oscars predecessor Jimmy Kimmel, and less political.
“We are thrilled to bring back Conan, Raj, Katy, Jeff and Mike for the 98th Oscars!” said Kramer and Yang via statement. “This year, they produced a hugely entertaining and visually stunning show that celebrated our nominees and the global film community in the most beautiful and impactful way. Conan was the perfect host — skillfully guiding us through the evening with humor, warmth and reverence. It is an honor to be working with them again.”
For his part of the announcement O’Brien said, “the only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech,” in reference to “The Brutalist” star’s record-breaking runtime for accepting the Oscar for Best Actor.
“Conan delivered an unforgettable performance at ‘The Oscars,’ and we’re honored to have him and the producing team back next year,” said Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group. “Conan’s unique comedic style perfectly captured the moment, and I’m excited to have his talents back onstage next year to helm another indelible performance.”
Meanwhile, executive producers Kapoor and Mullan said “we are both so honored to be returning in our roles for the 98th Oscars,” and added, “we can’t wait to work with Conan and his entire team as we continue to explore even more special and heartfelt opportunities to celebrate next year’s nominees and the impact of film around the world.”
The 98th Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide.
SOURCE: IndieWire
