Conan O’Brien’s hosting debut at the 2025 Oscars was a hit, earning rave reviews and breaking viewership records. According to Daily Mail, the event attracted a massive 19.69 million total viewers, with a 4.54 rating among adults aged 18-49, reaching a five-year high in both categories.
The 2025 ceremony on March 2nd had critics and fans alike praising O’Brien’s hosting skills, sparking speculation about his return for the next year’s Oscars. Rob Mills, Disney’s Executive VP of unscripted and alternative entertainment, confirmed that O’Brien had been offered the hosting gig for 2026, noting that he “absolutely nailed it” during his first appearance.
On March 17, the official announcement came that the 61-year-old comedian would be back as host for the 98th Annual Academy Awards, set to take place at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. A press release from O’Brien jokingly pointed out that his reason for returning was to hear The Brutalist actor Adrien Brody finish his lengthy acceptance speech, which lasted five minutes and 36 seconds—well beyond the usual 45-second time slot.
O’Brien’s witty comment referred to Brody’s record-breaking speech, which became a memorable moment of the 2025 ceremony.
The excitement surrounding O’Brien’s return was echoed by the Oscars leadership. In a joint statement, Oscars CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang expressed their enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to bring back Conan, Raj, Katy, Jeff, and Mike for the 98th Oscars!”
As the countdown to the 2026 Oscars begins, fans can look forward to O’Brien’s unique brand of humor and charm taking center stage once again.
