The Academy Awards are bringing back Conan O’Brien as host for the 98th Oscars, set to take place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre.
Why Conan Again?
O’Brien, who made his Oscars hosting debut in 2025, received widespread praise for his sharp wit and engaging presence. His performance helped boost the 97th Academy Awards’ viewership to 19.69 million, the highest in five years, with record-breaking social media engagement.
In a classic Conan quip, he joked:
“The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech.”
Brody’s Best Actor speech for The Brutalist became the longest in Oscars history.
What to Expect in 2026
Returning executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan promise another visually stunning and entertaining ceremony that celebrates global cinema.
Disney Television Group president Craig Erwich praised Conan’s unique comedic style, calling him the perfect choice for Hollywood’s biggest night.
2026 Oscar Contenders to Watch
While it’s too early to predict the nominees, next year’s film calendar is packed with promising releases, including:
🎭 “Wicked: For Good” – Musical sequel by Jon M. Chu
📖 “Hamnet” – Adaptation of the bestselling novel by Chloé Zhao
🧟 Two Frankenstein Films –
- Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” (starring Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi)
- Maggie Gyllenhaal’s “The Bride” (starring Jessie Buckley, Christian Bale)
When and Where to Watch
📅 March 15, 2026
📍 Dolby Theatre, Los Angeles
📺 Airs live on ABC at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT
With Conan O’Brien returning and an exciting lineup of films, the 98th Academy Awards are shaping up to be another unforgettable night for Hollywood.