Late-night legend Conan O’Brien has been tapped to host the 98th Academy Awards in 2026, marking his second consecutive year at the helm of Hollywood’s biggest night. The announcement was made by Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang in a press release on Monday, following O’Brien’s widely praised performance at this year’s ceremony.
O’Brien, known for his sharp wit and eccentric comedic style, received critical acclaim for his hosting debut at the 97th Oscars. His monologue, a mix of biting humor and affectionate nods to Hollywood’s elite, was lauded for striking the perfect balance between irreverence and respect. Variety hailed his performance, stating that he “absolutely rocked his debut at host, walking the perfect line between acid and affection.”
The decision to bring O’Brien back comes amid a resurgence in Oscars viewership. This year’s telecast, which was streamed live for the first time on Hulu, drew 19.69 million viewers—a slight increase from last year’s 19.5 million. The Academy’s efforts to expand accessibility and modernize its presentation have contributed to a steady ratings climb, a significant improvement from the pandemic-era low of 10.4 million viewers.
O’Brien himself embraced the opportunity with characteristic humor, quipping in the Academy’s press release, “The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech.” Brody, who won Best Actor for “The Brutalist,” made history with the longest Oscars acceptance speech ever, clocking in at five minutes and 40 seconds.
The upcoming 98th Academy Awards will once again be produced by Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, who were also responsible for this year’s successful show. Their continued leadership signals a commitment to maintaining the energetic and engaging format that has resonated with audiences.
With O’Brien’s return, the 2026 Oscars promises another night of sharp humor, unexpected moments, and a continued push towards revitalizing the ceremony’s cultural relevance. Hollywood and film enthusiasts alike will be eagerly awaiting what the veteran comedian has in store for his sophomore hosting gig.
