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It is famously difficult to find someone to host the Oscars. Last year, a ton of people said no to hosting it, including 2024 host Jimmy Kimmel, John Mulaney, Will Ferrell, Amy Poehler, and Ryan Reynolds. Conan O’Brien was far from the first person asked, but I think he ended up being the best possible choice. I think Conan did a great job hosting this year’s Academy Awards. From what I’ve seen online, most people seem to agree with me. He was funny without being offensive and overall, I enjoyed his jokes and bits. My only complaint is how long the ceremony was, but they’re always too long. The producers over at Disney/ABC must have really liked Conan’s hosting style, too, because he’s already been tapped to host the Oscars again in 2026.
Conan O’Brien is returning to the Oscars stage in 2026. The late-night host and comedian will preside over the 98th Academy Awards, set for March 15, the film academy’s leadership said Monday.
“The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech,” O’Brien said in a statement.
This year was O’Brien’s first time leading the show, which attracted its biggest broadcast audience in five years despite the winning movie, “Anora,” being relatively small.
An estimated 19.7 million viewers watched the 97th Academy Awards ceremony earlier this month, according to broadcaster ABC, with a big lift among people aged 18 to 49, driven by mobile and laptop watches from younger viewers. It was also the most watched prime-time entertainment show of 2025.
“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,” said Craig Erwich, the president of Disney Television Group, in a statement.
Next year O’Brien will also be surrounded by a familiar team, with Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan returning as executive producers of the show and Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney as producers. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang said in a joint statement that it’s an honor to be working again with the group behind this year’s broadcast.
“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,” Kramer and Yang said. “Conan was the perfect host — skillfully guiding us through the evening with humor, warmth and reverence.”
The show also succeeded in social media metrics, outperforming both the Grammy Awards and the Super Bowl, according to Oscars organizers. This was the first time that the show was streamed live simultaneously on Hulu, which was not without its glitches.
The timing of the announcement of next year’s hosting and producing teams — less than a month after this year’s Oscars — is unusually early for the film academy and ABC.
“The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech.” LMAO. Ain’t nobody got time for that. That’s exactly why everyone loves Conan, though. He’s got such great relationships with everyone. It probably makes it much easier to come up with jokes without being too controversial. I’m happy with this news. I don’t know why it took so long to get Conan to host them in the first place when he’s done a good job with the Emmys before. I look forward to what jokes and shenanigans he’ll come up with next year. You just know he and his team are already workshopping potential jokes for Ariana, Cynthia, and Wicked 2: For Good.
Conan O’Brien hosts the live ABC telecast of the 97th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 2, 2025.,Image: 971245289, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: *** EDITORIAL USE ONLY! * NB: Fees charged by Avalon are for Avalon’s services only, and do not, nor are they intended to, convey to the user any ownership of Copyright or License in the material. Avalon does not claim any ownership including but not limited to Copyright or License in the attached material. By publishing this material you (the user) expressly agree to indemnify and to hold Avalon and its directors, shareholders and employees harmless from any loss, claims, damages, demands, expenses (including legal fees), or any causes of action or allegation against Avalon arising out of or connected in any way with publication of the material. * Handling Fee Only ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Avalon.red/Avalon
Conan O’Brien hosts the live ABC telecast of the 97th Oscars® at the Dolby® Theatre at Ovation Hollywood on Sunday, March 2, 2025.,Image: 971249247, License: Rights-managed, Restrictions: *** EDITORIAL USE ONLY! * NB: Fees charged by Avalon are for Avalon’s services only, and do not, nor are they intended to, convey to the user any ownership of Copyright or License in the material. Avalon does not claim any ownership including but not limited to Copyright or License in the attached material. By publishing this material you (the user) expressly agree to indemnify and to hold Avalon and its directors, shareholders and employees harmless from any loss, claims, damages, demands, expenses (including legal fees), or any causes of action or allegation against Avalon arising out of or connected in any way with publication of the material. * Handling Fee Only ***, Model Release: no, Credit line: Avalon.red/Avalon
Photos credit: Avalon.red and via Instagram
