Dhaka, March 17 -- Conan O'Brien is set to return as host of the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026, the film academy announced Monday.

"The only reason I'm hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech," O'Brien said in a statement.

O'Brien made his Oscars hosting debut this year, helping the show achieve its highest broadcast audience in five years. The 97th Academy Awards, which aired earlier this month, drew an estimated 19.7 million viewers, according to ABC. The event saw a surge in viewership among younger audiences, particularly those watching on mobile devices and laptops, making it the most-watched prime-time entertainment program of 2025.

"Conan's unique comedic style perfectly capture...