On the heels of a critically acclaimed 2025 ceremony that attracted the highest ratings for an Oscars telecast in five years, executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan and producers Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney will also be back.
Conan O’Brien, the beloved comedian, writer and producer who hosted the 97th Oscars telecast on March 2, has agreed to return and host the 98th Oscars telecast on March 15, 2026, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Monday.
The O’Brien-hosted Oscars generated many rave reviews (THR’s TV critic was high on O’Brien, if not the telecast overall), attracted a five-year high in both total viewers (19.69 million) and adults 18-49 (4.54 rating) and ranked as the No. 1 primetime entertainment telecast in both total viewers and adults for the 2024-25 season. It also generated 104.2 million total social interactions, ranking as the No. 1 most-socialed TV program season-to-date, outperforming both the Grammys (102.2 million) and the Super Bowl (62.4 million) for the first time.
Conan O’Brien’s opening monologue at the 97th Oscars
“We are thrilled to bring back Conan, Raj, Katy, Jeff and Mike for the 98th Oscars,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and outcoming president Janet Yang said in a 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.”
O’Brien, for his part, cracked: “The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech.” (He also recently shared behind-the-scenes details of his hosting experience on his podcast Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend.)
“Conan delivered an unforgettable performance at the Oscars, and we’re honored to have him and the producing team back next year,” added 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.”
