17-03-2025
Conan O'Brien Returning to Host 2026 Oscars, Jokes 'Only Reason' Is to Hear Adrien Brody Finish His Speech
Conan O'Brien did so well hosting the 97th annual Oscars that he'll be back to do it again in 2026!
On Monday March 17, it was announced that the 61-year-old comedian would be returning to host the 98th annual Academy Awards on ABC next year. The ceremony will take place in the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Calif.
'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 a press release, referring to Brody's record-breaking acceptance speech that he delivered after winning Best Actor this year.
Related: Celebrities Who Have Hosted the Oscars the Most Times
The ceremony is also bringing back Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan as executive producers and Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney as producers. Sweeney will serve double duty as he will also be working on 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 2025 ceremony brought in more than 19 million viewers, reaching a five-year high. It also marked the first year that O'Brien served as host.
Related: What You Didn't See During the 2025 Oscars: Timothée Chalamet Shares a Sweet Moment with Kylie Jenner and More
During his hosting duties, O'Brien made plenty of playful jokes, including referencing Drake and Kendrick Lamar's ongoing feud.
"It's a celebration of an entire industry and people from every walk of life who give their blood, sweat and tears for show business," O'Brien told PEOPLE ahead of hosting the iconic awards ceremony earlier this month.
While he noted that emceeing the event "can be tricky," O'Brien was ready to go. "I like to meet a challenge," he said.
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Previous hosts of the awards ceremony include Jimmy Kimmel, Whoopi Goldberg and Steve Martin. Kimmel declined an offer to return to the show in 2025.
The late Bob Hope holds the record for the most times hosting Hollywood's biggest night, having taken the stage 19 times. Nine-time host Billy Crystal comes in second place on the list.
The 98th Oscars will take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
Read the original article on People
