Conan O'Brien makes it 2 in a row as Hollywood's Oscar night host

LOS ANGELES, CA: Comedian and television host Conan O’Brien returns to the Dolby Theatre tonight to host the 98th Academy Awards.

The ceremony marks the second consecutive year O’Brien has served as emcee after the Academy confirmed his return following his widely noted hosting performance in 2025.

Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang announced the decision shortly after last year’s ceremony, describing O’Brien as the “perfect host” for the event.

Organizers said his mix of humor and familiarity with live audiences made him a strong fit to guide Hollywood’s biggest night.

O’Brien, 62, is a Harvard graduate who built a long career in television before expanding into podcasting and digital media through his company, Team Coco.

Despite the scale of the Oscars broadcast, the hosting role reportedly comes with a modest salary of about $15,000, a figure previously disclosed by past host Jimmy Kimmel.

Legendary career from 'The Simpsons' to the Oscars

O’Brien began his career as a comedy writer for 'Saturday Night Live' and later for 'The Simpsons'. In 1993, he was selected to host 'Late Night', launching a nearly three-decade run in late-night television.

During that period, he interviewed a wide range of public figures, including actors, musicians, and political leaders such as Harrison Ford and then-Senator Barack Obama.

Known for his physical comedy style, O’Brien often incorporates self-deprecating humor into interviews.

Standing at six feet four inches, O’Brien has occasionally joked about his height during interviews, saying he sometimes crouches slightly when speaking with shorter guests.

Conan O'Brien jokes about Adrien Brody’s record-long speech

O’Brien’s hosting style at last year’s ceremony included rapid-fire jokes and interactions with actors in the audience, including a comedic exchange with Adam Sandler.

Ahead of the 2026 broadcast, O’Brien joked that one reason he agreed to return was to “finally hear Adrien Brody finish his record-breaking acceptance speech” for 'The Brutalist'. The comment referred to Brody’s lengthy acceptance speech during the previous awards season.

In interviews leading up to the ceremony, O’Brien said the show’s creative team often finalizes jokes and segments close to the broadcast once the nominees and current cultural topics are fully known.

Minimal pay for Hollywood’s biggest night

Although the Oscars broadcast is one of the most visible entertainment events of the year, the host’s compensation remains relatively small compared with typical television salaries.

O’Brien’s broader media ventures, including the reported $150 million sale of Team Coco to SiriusXM, have significantly expanded his presence in podcasting and digital media.

Still, hosting the Oscars is widely viewed within the industry as a prestige role rather than a major financial opportunity.