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The 98th Academy Awards has officially found its host — and it's a very familiar face.
It was announced on Monday (March 17) that Conan O'Brien will return as host for the 2026 Oscars at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, following up his successful stint as first-time host at the 97th Academy Awards earlier this month, per People. In true Conan fashion, the 61-year-old comedian celebrated the news by joking about the "only reason" he was returning to host.
"The only reason I'm hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech," he said in a press release, referencing the actor's lengthy Best Actor acceptance speech during the 2025 Oscars.
During his first time as Oscars host, the show drew in a five-year high of more than 19 million viewers who tuned in to watch O'Brien take on some of the year's biggest films and pop culture moments as well as see which of their favorite movies and actors took home awards during the night.
In addition to O'Brien, the Academy is bringing back executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan as well as Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney as producers, with the latter also serving as a member of the writing team.
"We are thrilled to bring back Conan, Raj, Katy, Jeff and Mike for the 98th Oscars!" Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy 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."
The 2026 Oscars will air on ABC Sunday, March 15, 2026.
