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Conan O’Brien is returning to host the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026, after his acclaimed debut last year. The ceremony takes place at 7 p.m. ET at Hollywood’s legendary Dolby Theatre. Two years of hosting, endless surprises, and major Oscar drama await.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Date and Time: Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT
- Venue: Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles, California
- Host: Conan O’Brien for the second consecutive year
- Broadcast: ABC and Hulu streaming live for the first time
Conan O’Brien’s Triumphant Return as Host
After receiving widespread critical acclaim for hosting the 97th Academy Awards last year, Conan O’Brien was quickly brought back for round two. The Emmy-winning comedian and former Late Night legend earned praise for his witty monologues, genuine connection with presenters, and ability to balance tears with laughter. Multiple outlets called his 2025 hosting gig the best ceremony in years.
O’Brien’s success marks a rare achievement in Oscar history. Bringing back a host for consecutive years requires immense confidence from the Academy. The decision demonstrates how much the organization values consistency and entertainment quality heading into what promises to be a highly competitive awards season.
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When and Where to Watch the 98th Oscars
Mark your calendars for Sunday, March 15, 2026. The main ceremony begins at 7 p.m. Eastern Time and 4 p.m. Pacific Time. The event broadcasts live on ABC and, for the second year running, streams simultaneously on Hulu. This is historic, as streaming the Oscars live on Hulu represents a major shift toward digital-first viewership.
The ceremony takes place at the iconic Dolby Theatre, located in the heart of Hollywood at Ovation Hollywood. The venue has hosted the Academy Awards for years, providing an elegant backdrop for Hollywood’s biggest night. Consider tuning in early for red carpet coverage and pre-show festivities to catch all the glamorous arrivals.
The Biggest Contenders and What to Expect
Paul Thomas Anderson’s directorial masterpiece One Battle After Another has emerged as the frontrunner for Best Picture, winning major season awards and collecting critical momentum. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio and represents Anderson’s most ambitious work to date. Meanwhile, Timothée Chalamet leads predictions for Best Actor for his role in the dark comedy Marty Supreme, which earned nine nominations.
| Category | Leading Contender | Key Details |
| Best Picture | One Battle After Another | Paul Thomas Anderson, multiple award wins |
| Best Actor | Timothée Chalamet | Marty Supreme, nine nominations total |
| Notable Nominees | Sinners, Hamnet, Frankenstein | Diverse slate representing strong year for film |
| Streaming Option | ABC and Hulu | Live broadcast and first-ever Hulu stream |
“We are thrilled to bring back Conan, Raj, Katy, Jeff and all our creative partners for the ceremony.”
According to press.oscars.org, the Academy statement announcing the hosting decision
Why This Year’s Race Feels Different
The 2026 Oscar race features genuine unpredictability and multiple viable winners across most categories. Unlike recent years when certain films dominated early, this season has seen surprising winners at major guild awards and regional film festivals. Voting concludes March 5, leaving just ten days before the ceremony for final momentum shifts.
Industry experts predict this could be one of the most competitive years in recent memory. Films like Sinners, Hamnet, Blue Moon, and Frankenstein all present legitimate threats to the presumed frontrunners. The diversity of the nominee slate reflects a year when no single film dominated the theatrical landscape or critical consensus.
Will the 2026 Oscars Match Last Year’s Success?
Last year’s ceremony hosted by Conan resonated with audiences and critics alike. Industry watchers wonder if round two can maintain that momentum or exceed it. The pressure is on O’Brien to deliver memorable moments, thoughtful tributes, and genuine entertainment value amid a competitive field.
With Hulu streaming the ceremony for the first time alongside ABC broadcast, viewership patterns may shift significantly. The simultaneous streaming option eliminates barriers to access and reflects the Academy’s commitment to reaching digital-native audiences. Watch closely for opening monologue zingers, unexpected presenter combinations, and those signature Conan moments that earned him praise the first time around.
Sources
- The Hollywood Reporter – Coverage of Conan O’Brien’s 2025 hosting success and 2026 announcement
- Variety – 2026 Oscars predictions and frontrunner analysis across all categories
- ABC News – Where to watch, schedule details, and ceremony logistics
