Conan O’Brien impressed his Academy and Disney paymasters so much with his Oscars hosting performance that he has been officially asked to return.
The comedian will be back to host the 98th Academy Awards, which will take place on ABC on Sunday March 15.
Also returning are producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, who are back for their third consecutive year. Alongside them will be Conan’s partners Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney, who will produce for the second time with the latter also writing.
The move is not a surprise as Conan impressed many with his mix of silly and savvy. Rob Mills, EVP Unscripted & Alternative Entertainment at Walt Disney Television, the man in charge of the telecast, told Deadline the day after this year’s ceremony that he was keen for the former late-night star to return as it had been a “privilege” to work him, describing it as “TV executive fantasy camp”.
“The only reason I’m hosting The Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech,” O’Brien quipped.
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This year’s show was watched by 19.69M people, up from the 18.07M that tuned in last year, helped by being streamed on Hulu for the first time (even if some of those streamers faced their own issues).
It comes as the Academy is already looking ahead to the 2029 ceremony by starting to discuss the TV rights with other broadcasters and streamers after Disney’s exclusive negotiating window lapses.
It’s not unusual for hosts to return; Jimmy Kimmel did two sets of back-to-back Oscars in 2023/2024 and 2017/2018. Billy Crystal hosted four times between 1990 and 1993 and in 1997 and 1998. Johnny Carson did four in a row between 1979 and 1982 but it was Bob Hope that did the most back-to-back with four in a row between 1940 and 1943, three in a row between 1960 and 1962 and four in a row between 1965 and 1968.
“We are thrilled to bring back Conan, Raj, Katy, Jeff and Mike for the 98th Oscars,” said Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Janet Yang. “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.”
“We are both so honored to be returning in our roles for the 98th Oscars,” said Kapoor and Mullan. “We can’t wait to work with Conan and his entire team as we continue to explore even more special and heartfelt opportunities to celebrate next year’s nominees and the impact of film around the world.”
“Conan delivered an unforgettable performance at The Oscars, and we’re honored to have him and the producing team back next year,” added Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group. “Conan’s unique comedic style perfectly captured the moment, and I’m excited to have his talents back onstage next year to helm another indelible performance.”
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