LOS ANGELES, CA – Emmy Award-winning television host and comedian Conan O’Brien is set to return as the host of the 98th Academy Awards, marking his second consecutive year at the helm of Hollywood’s biggest night. The announcement was made by Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang, who also confirmed that Emmy-winning live event producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan will return as executive producers for the third consecutive year.
The 98th Oscars will air live on ABC on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney will also return as producers, with Sweeney taking on writing duties as well.
“We are thrilled to bring back Conan, Raj, Katy, Jeff, and Mike for the 98th Oscars,” said Kramer and Yang in a joint statement. “This year’s show was a spectacular celebration of cinema, and Conan’s humor, warmth, and reverence made it an unforgettable night. We look forward to working with them again to create another incredible show.”
Conan O’Brien, known for his signature wit and decades-long career in late-night television, hosted the 97th Academy Awards earlier this month, which saw record-breaking engagement. The telecast drew a five-year high in total viewership, with 19.69 million viewers, and ranked as the number one primetime entertainment telecast of the season. The Oscars also generated 104.2 million social media interactions, surpassing both the Grammy Awards and the Super Bowl.
“The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech,” joked O’Brien in response to the announcement.
Craig Erwich, President of Disney Television Group, praised O’Brien’s return, stating, “Conan delivered an unforgettable performance at The Oscars, and we’re honored to have him and the producing team back next year. His comedic style perfectly captured the moment, and we look forward to another outstanding show.”
Kapoor and Mullan also expressed their excitement, saying, “We are honored to be returning for the 98th Oscars. We look forward to working with Conan and his team again as we explore new ways to celebrate next year’s nominees and the power of cinema worldwide.”
O’Brien, known for hosting “Late Night with Conan O’Brien,” “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien,” and “Conan,” has won five Primetime Emmy Awards and earned 31 nominations. He currently hosts the podcast “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” and the MAX travel series “Conan O’Brien Must Go.”
The 98th Academy Awards will be broadcast live in over 200 territories worldwide, promising another night of unforgettable moments and cinematic celebration.