Conan O’Brien will return to host the 98th Academy Awards in March 2026, organizers announced Monday.
The 61-year-old funnyman’s performance as host of this year’s Oscars was so well-received that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced his return nearly a year in advance.
“The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech,” O’Brien joked in the press release.
Brody set a record for longest acceptance speech after winning Best Actor for his work in “The Brutalist.” He even plowed through the music meant to stop such speeches, telling the audience, “This is not my first rodeo.”
Critics and audiences praised O’Brien’s hosting chops and his opening monologue. While he was only announced as the 2025 host four months before the ceremony, television executives were so excited to bring him back that this year’s announcement came much earlier.
“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.”
Though O’Brien had never hosted the Oscars before, he had led the Emmys in 2002 and 2006. The 98th Oscars will air March 15, 2026, on ABC.