AceShowbiz - The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that Conan O'Brien will be returning to host the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026. O'Brien, who previously hosted the 97th Oscars, garnered significant praise for his performance, contributing to the ceremony's highest viewership in five years.

"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, humorously referring to Brody's record-breaking, 5-minute 37-second acceptance speech for Best Actor in "The Brutalist."

The upcoming ceremony will mark O'Brien's second stint as Oscars host, and he shows no signs of slowing down.

Conan's unique comedic style and warm demeanor resonated well with audiences of all ages, especially younger viewers who boosted the show's ratings through mobile and laptop streams.

Craig Erwich, President of Disney Television Group, expressed his excitement, "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."

O'Brien's return as the Oscars host comes with high expectations, but his previous performance has set a positive precedent.

Just recently, the comedian explained how he found his hosting debut eye-opening especially when it comes to The Academy's strict rules concerning the Oscar statuette, jokingly comparing it to a sacred artifact.

With his experience, podcast crew from "Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend" by his side, and a seasoned production team steering the event, the 98th Academy Awards promise to be another entertaining and noteworthy occasion.

As Conan O'Brien gears up for another round at the Oscars, fans and the film community alike eagerly anticipate what surprises and memorable moments 2026 will bring. Stay tuned, as this beloved comedian takes the helm once more, guiding us through one of the biggest nights in entertainment.