Conan O’Brien will return as host of the Oscars after receiving widespread acclaim for how he handled the prestigious gig earlier this month. 

On Monday, it was revealed that the comedian, 61, will resume the reins, next year, at the 98th annual Academy Awards, which will take place on March 15 in the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California, and air on ABC.

‘The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech,’ the talk show host mused in a press release, obtained by People. 

His joke was a reference to Brody’s lengthy acceptance speech that went on for five minutes and 36 seconds, which is well past the Academy’s 45-second time limit. 

Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan will be back as executive producers for the third consecutive year.  

Meanwhile, Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney will produce for the second time. 

Conan O’Brien will return as host of the 2026 Oscars ceremony after receiving widespread acclaim for how he handled the prestigious gig earlier this month

Sweeney will be pulling double duty as a producer and writer. 

‘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. 

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The pair continued: ‘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 Oscars, which marked O’Brien’s hosting debut, delivered a five-year high in both total viewers (19.69 million) and adults 18-49 (4.54 rating).

Earlier this month, Disney’s Rob Mills, the executive VP of unscripted and alternative entertainment, revealed he invited O’Brien to resume his position of host for 2026. 

Speaking of Conan’s performance, Rob said the comedian ‘absolutely nailed it.’

‘It was this sense memory of 30 years of not only him in late night, but when he would host the Emmys and all the stuff he’s done. 

‘This was almost like Conan’s greatest hits. You had a little bit of everything: An incredibly funny monologue that had the hallmarks of what Conan does: Silliness, self-deprecation, jokes that are funny… and then 20 minutes later you realize they’re really funny.’ 

When probed on whether he will be invited back, Rob added to Variety: ‘That’s really up to Conan, but I know we would love to have him back. 

On Monday, it was revealed that the comedian, 61, will resume the reins at the 98th annual Academy Awards , which will take place on March 15 in the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California , and air on ABC

‘The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech,’ the talk show host mused in a press release, obtained by People

‘I don’t know if this counts as an official offer, but I really hope he wants to come back.

‘It was a joy and a privilege, and probably the only sort of methadone I could have for not being able to do the show with Jimmy Kimmel.’

Conan had the audience eating out the palm of his hand with his impressive opening monologue and fearless jokes.

In one particularly outrageous moment, he poked fun at Emilia Perez star Karla Sofia Gascon’s social media scandal, in which she made controversial remarks on such subjects as George Floyd and Islam.

Addressing the drama, Conan said: ‘Anora uses the f-word 479 times. That’s more than the record set by Karla Sofía Gascón’s publicist… YOU TWEETED WHAT!’

‘Karla Sofia Gascon is here tonight. And… Karla, if you’re going to tweet about the Oscars, remember, my name is Jimmy Kimmel.’

The 2025 Oscars, which marked O’Brien’s hosting debut, delivered a five-year high in both total viewers (19.69 million) and adults 18-49 (4.54 rating) 

Earlier this month, Disney’s Rob Mills, the executive VP of unscripted and alternative entertainment, revealed he invited O’Brien to resume his position of host for 2026

The comedian made an impression for his hosting debut at Hollywood’s biggest night

At this, Karla Sofia feigned a smile as she placed her hands together in a prayer gesture while making her return to the awards circuit amid the controversy.

Elsewhere, Conan made light of Timothee Chalamet’s striking yellow suit.

He said: ‘Hey. Timothee Chalamet is up for best actor tonight. You are amazing. And you look amazing. I bow to you. Love that suit. You will not get hit on your bike tonight.

‘Amazing actor. He’s nominated for his portrayal of Bob Dylan. Yeah. Yeah. Bob Dylan wanted to be here tonight, but not that badly.’

In another funny moment, Conan said: ‘You know, one of my favorite movies didn’t get nominated this year, Baby girl. Yeah, I loved that film. Yeah. In the film Babygirl, Antonio Banderas plays a man who doesn’t know how to give his wife an orgasm.

‘He described it as the most challenging role of his career. Should have come to me, man. Should have come to me.’