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Conan O’Brien returns to host the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, days after earning widespread acclaim for his 2025 Oscars debut. This time, the six-time Emmy winner prepares for an even bigger night at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. What awards will he lighten up this year, and who will he roast?
🔥 Quick Facts
- Date and Time: Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT
- Host: Conan O’Brien returns after triumphant 2025 debut with rave reviews
- Location: Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles
- Network: Live on ABC and streaming on Hulu
Conan O’Brien’s Triumphant Return to the Oscars
The Academy didn’t hesitate to bring back Conan O’Brien for a second consecutive year. His 2025 hosting performance earned critical acclaim and massive viewer engagement. TIME Magazine praised his natural charm, while critics noted that O’Brien’s best moments came from letting winners celebrate their achievements. The comedian proved he could balance humor with grace, a rare combination that Hollywood’s biggest night demands.
Now, with one year of Oscar experience under his belt, O’Brien promises to bring fresh energy to the 98th ceremony. He’s been publicly teasing his preparations, hinting at new sketches and unexpected moments. The late-night legend told press that he’s drawn to the challenge of hosting, embracing what could otherwise be a thankless gig.
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Oscars 2026 set for March 15 with Conan O’Brien hosting ceremony
A Star-Studded Night with A-List Presenters
The 2026 Oscars ceremony will feature an impressive lineup of celebrity presenters. Robert Downey Jr. and Anne Hathaway lead the presenter roster, joined by Paul Mescal, Gwyneth Paltrow, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Will Arnett. A highlight moment looms: Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans will reunite on stage, marking a significant moment for Marvel fans watching at home.
The Academy has curated a presenter lineup designed to honor diverse films and filmmakers. Red carpet excitement builds as Hollywood’s elite prepare to celebrate 2025 cinema. Fan theories already swirl about potential surprises and unexpected appearances throughout the evening.
What to Expect on Oscar Night 2026
| Element | Details |
| Ceremony Start | 7 p.m. ET, March 15 |
| Red Carpet | 6:30 p.m. ET live show |
| Host | Conan O’Brien (2nd year) |
| Location | Dolby Theatre, Hollywood |
Industry insiders predict this year’s Oscars will run approximately three to four hours, staying true to the ceremony’s traditional length. Conan O’Brien has promised to balance entertainment with respect for the honorees. The live broadcast on ABC will air simultaneously on Hulu for cord-cutting viewers.
“The best moments of this hosting gig were just Conan being Conan, letting the winners enjoy their spotlight and laughing at himself to make everyone else feel comfortable.”
— TIME Magazine, Oscar Review
Behind the Scenes: How Conan Prepared
Unlike first-time hosts who face months of preparation anxiety, O’Brien approaches 2026 with seasoned confidence. According to his team and press statements, the comedian held writing sessions with his trusted circle, including head writer Mike Sweeney. O’Brien has publicly stated he wants to keep things fresh while honoring the ceremony’s decades-long tradition.
The New Yorker recently featured O’Brien discussing his hosting philosophy. He emphasized that humor should elevate rather than diminish the achievements being celebrated. His 2025 experience taught him which jokes landed hardest and which moments required restraint. This balance will be crucial on March 15.
Will Conan O’Brien Host the Oscars Again After 2026?
The question echoing through Hollywood now is whether O’Brien will secure a third consecutive hosting gig. Industry observers note that back-to-back hosting is becoming increasingly rare in modern times. However, if March 15’s ceremony matches or exceeds the critical success of 2025, the Academy may make history by extending his contract once more.
O’Brien’s genuine love for the challenge and his ability to connect with both the Hollywood elite and millions of viewers worldwide make him a compelling choice. Whether he hosts 2027 remains unconfirmed, but observers predict major announcements could arrive within days of the 98th Academy Awards conclusion.
Sources
- People Magazine – 2026 Oscars comprehensive guide and ceremony details
- Variety – Conan O’Brien returning as host announcement and presenter lineup
- ABC News – Official ceremony time, date, and broadcast information
