*Courtesy of Frank Micelotta / Disney, Getty Images.*

Conan O'Brien, a celebrated comedian, writer, and producer, who successfully hosted the 97th Oscars on March 2, will once again lead the 98th Oscars telecast scheduled for March 15, 2026, according to an announcement made by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on Monday.

The Oscars telecast under O'Brien's stewardship received considerable acclaim, including a favorable review from The Hollywood Reporter's TV critic, and achieved a five-year peak in viewership, drawing 19.69 million people and scoring a 4.54 rating among adults aged 18-49. It stood as the top primetime entertainment broadcast of the 2024-25 season in both total viewership and among adults 18-49. Furthermore, the event saw a remarkable 104.2 million social interactions, surpassing both the Grammys, which had 102.2 million, and the Super Bowl, which gathered 62.4 million, making it the most socially interactive TV program of the season to date.

Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, who have served as executive producers for the past two Oscars, along with producers Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney, are also set to return for the upcoming telecast.

“We are thrilled to bring back Conan, Raj, Katy, Jeff and Mike for the 98th Oscars,” Academy CEO Bill Kramer and president Janet Yang said in the announcement. “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.”

O’Brien humorously added: “The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech.”

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