In a move that has delighted fans and industry insiders alike, Conan O’Brien has been officially invited back to host the highly anticipated 98th Academy Awards. Scheduled to air on ABC on Sunday, March 15, this marks a significant return for the beloved comedian, known for his unique blend of humor and wit.
Joining Conan O’Brien for this year's ceremony are producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, who are returning for their third consecutive year. They will collaborate with Conan's trusted partners, Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney, who are producing for the second time, with Sweeney also contributing as a writer. This strong team is poised to create a memorable Oscars experience that resonates with audiences worldwide.
Rob Mills, the Executive Vice President of Unscripted & Alternative Entertainment at Walt Disney Television, expressed his enthusiasm for Conan's return. He described working with the former late-night star as a “privilege” and likened it to a “TV executive fantasy camp.” Mills highlighted the impact of Conan's hosting style, which seamlessly combined humor and savvy, captivating viewers during the previous ceremony.
The previous Oscars ceremony attracted an impressive 19.69 million viewers, a notable increase from the 18.07 million who tuned in the year before. This surge in viewership was aided by the event being available for the first time on Hulu, making it more accessible to a wider audience. Although some streaming viewers faced challenges, the overall response to the show was overwhelmingly positive.
As the Academy begins preparations for the 2029 ceremony, discussions about TV rights with other networks and streaming platforms are already underway, especially as Disney's exclusive negotiating window approaches its end. Historically, it’s common for hosts to return for multiple years; for instance, Jimmy Kimmel has hosted back-to-back Oscars in 2017/2018 and 2023/2024, while Billy Crystal hosted four times between 1990 and 1998.
Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang expressed their excitement about Conan's return, stating, “We are thrilled to bring back Conan, Raj, Katy, Jeff, and Mike for the 98th Oscars.” They praised the previous year's show, which they described as “hugely entertaining and visually stunning,” and recognized Conan's exceptional ability to guide the audience through the evening with humor, warmth, and reverence.
Both Kapoor and Mullan have shared their enthusiasm for returning in their roles, stating, “We can’t wait to work with Conan and his entire team.” They emphasized their commitment to exploring unique and heartfelt ways to celebrate the nominees and the global impact of film. Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group, echoed this sentiment, saying, “Conan delivered an unforgettable performance at The Oscars, and we’re honored to have him and the producing team back next year.”
As anticipation builds for the 98th Academy Awards, fans and critics alike are eager to see how O’Brien will once again captivate audiences with his distinctive comedic style and engaging presence on stage.
