Conan O’Brien confirmed to return as Oscars host in 2026 -

Conan O’Brien is set to return to host the Oscars in 2026. The recent Academy Awards ceremony attracted the highest ratings of the program’s telecast in the last five years, generating 104.2 million viewer interactions, which outperformed the most recent editions of the Grammys (102.2 million) and Super Bowl (62.4 million).

Apart from O’Brien, other producers will also return, including Raj Kapoor, Katy Mullan, Jeff Ross, and Mike Sweeney.

“We are thrilled to bring back Conan, Raj, Katy, Jeff and Mike for the 98th Oscars. 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,” acknowledged Academy CEO Bill Kramer and outgoing president Janet Yang.

The Oscars have seen a wide range of hosts over the years, from comedians to actors, each bringing their unique flair to Hollywood's most prestigious night. Ready for a trip down memory lane? Click on for a look back at 30 years of unforgettable Oscar hosts.

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1995: David Letterman -

In 1995, David Letterman hosted the Oscars, calling it "the gold standard of Oscar bombing" as many of his jokes fell flat.

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1996: Whoopi Goldberg -

In 1996, Whoopi Goldberg hosted the Oscars for the second time, having first taken on the role in 1994.

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1997: Billy Crystal -

Billy Crystal hosted the Oscars in 1997. The comedian and actor hosted the awards several times, earning five Emmy Awards over the years for his memorable opening monologues.

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1998: Billy Crystal -

In 1998, Billy Crystal returned to host the Oscars once again, bringing his signature humor, musical parodies, and sharp wit.

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1999: Whoopi Goldberg -

In 1999, Whoopi Goldberg hosted the Oscars and was also honored as Essence Magazine’s Woman of the Year.

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2000: Billy Crystal -

In 2000, Billy Crystal hosted the Oscars for the seventh time, having first taken on the role in 1990.

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2001: Steve Martin -

In 2001, Steve Martin made his Oscars hosting debut, entertaining the audience with his trademark humor and clever one-liners.

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2002: Whoopi Goldberg -

In 2002, Whoopi Goldberg returned to host the Oscars, marking her fourth time as presenter.

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2003: Steve Martin -

Steve Martin returned to host the 2003 Oscars, but it wouldn't be his last time on Hollywood's biggest stage.

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2004: Billy Crystal -

Billy Crystal was back again in 2004, hosting the Oscars for the eighth time. 

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2005: Chris Rock -

In 2005, Chris Rock made his Oscars hosting debut, bringing his sharp, fearless comedy to the stage.

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2006: Jon Stewart -

In 2006, Jon Stewart hosted the Oscars for the first time, bringing his signature political satire and dry humor to the stage.

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2007: Ellen DeGeneres -

Ellen DeGeneres hosted the 2007 Oscars, which even earned her an Emmy nomination for her opening monologue.

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2008: Jon Stewart -

At the 2008 Oscars, Jon Stewart returned to host, marking his second time taking the stage.

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2009: Hugh Jackman -

In 2009, actor Hugh Jackman hosted the Oscars for the first time, bringing his charm, musical talent, and wit to the stage.

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2010: Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin -

For the 2010 Oscars, Alec Baldwin hosted for the first time, while his co-host Steve Martin worked the stage for the third time.

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2011: Anne Hathaway and James Franco -

In 2011, Anne Hathaway and James Franco co-hosted the Oscars, a pairing that received poor reviews.

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2012: Billy Crystal -

Billy Crystal hosted the 2012 Oscars, making it the ninth time he hosted the show.

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2013: Seth MacFarlane -

In 2013, 'Family Guy' creator Seth MacFarlane hosted the Oscars, delivering sharp humor, musical performances, and controversial jokes.

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2014: Ellen DeGeneres -

Ellen DeGeneres hosted the Oscars for the second time in 2014, famously capturing the iconic Oscar selfie that quickly went viral.

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2015: Neil Patrick Harris -

In 2015, actor Neil Patrick Harris took the stage to host the Oscars, bringing his signature charisma, charm, and theatrical flair to the ceremony.

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2016: Chris Rock -

In 2016, Chris Rock hosted the Oscars for the second time, addressing the lack of diversity, famously saying, "You're damn right Hollywood's racist."

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2017: Jimmy Kimmel -

Jimmy Kimmel hosted the Oscars for the first time in 2017, the year of the infamous 'La La Land' and 'Moonlight' Best Picture mix-up.

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2018: Jimmy Kimmel -

In 2018, Jimmy Kimmel returned to host the Oscars for a second consecutive year, following the success of his 2017 performance.

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2019 -

The 2019 Oscars were hostless, after Kevin Hart stepped down. The ceremony featured various presenters and performances instead of a single host.

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2020 -

The 2020 Oscars also had no official host, continuing the previous year's format with various presenters and performances. 

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2021 -

The 2021 Oscars had no traditional host either. Instead, rotating presenters like Regina King, Brad Pitt, and Harrison Ford led the pandemic-adapted ceremony.

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2022: Regina Hall, Amy Schumer, and Wanda Sykes -

The 2022 Oscars featured Regina Hall, Amy Schumer, and Wanda Sykes as hosts, following three years without an official host. Their hosting was overshadowed by Will Smith slapping presenter Chris Rock.

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2023: Jimmy Kimmel -

After five years, Jimmy Kimmel was invited back to host the Oscars once again.

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2024: Jimmy Kimmel -

In 2024, Jimmy Kimmel returned to host the Oscars, marking his fourth time presenting one of Hollywood's biggest nights. 

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2025: Conan O'Brien -

Conan O'Brien was the host for the 97th Academy Awards, which took place on March 2, 2025.

Sources: (Deadline) (SheKnows) 

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