With ABC’s broadcast of “The 97th Oscars” earlier this month amassing five-year highs in Adults 18-49 and Total Viewers, the network announced earlier this week that writer, producer and comedian Conan O’Brien will return to host “The 98th Oscars” on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT.
Returning alongside O’Brien are the Emmy Award-winning live television event producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan as the show’s executive producers for the third consecutive year. Additionally, Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney will be back as producers for a second time, with Sweeney also serving as a writer.
“We are thrilled to bring back Conan, Raj, Katy, Jeff and Mike for the 98th Oscars!” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang in a joint 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 only reason I’m hosting ‘The Oscars’ next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech,” said O’Brien.
“Conan delivered an unforgettable performance at ‘The Oscars,’ and we’re honored to have him and the producing team back next year,” said Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group. “Conan’s unique comedic style perfectly captured the moment, and I’m excited to have his talents back onstage next year to helm another indelible performance.”
“We are both so honored to be returning in our roles for the 98th Oscars,” said Kapoor and Mullan. “We can’t wait to work with Conan and his entire team as we continue to explore even more special and heartfelt opportunities to celebrate next year’s nominees and the impact of film around the world.”
Hosted by O’Brien, this year’s Oscars broadcast on Sunday, March 2 averaged 19.69 million viewers and a 4.54 rating among Adults 18-49, ranking as the No. 1 primetime entertainment telecast of the season in both categories while topping both “The GRAMMY Awards” and “The Super Bowl” among total social interactions, earning 104.2 million interactions compared with 102.2 million for the Grammys and 62.4 million for the Super Bowl. This was the first time the Oscars achieved this milestone.
“The 98th Oscars” will be held Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will be televised live on ABC and in more than 200 territories worldwide.