Conan O'Brien is back in the Oscars spotlight as host again, bringing sharp humor after decades of late-night fame. He’s a former NBC/late-night host and SNL writer.
The 98th Academy Awards took place in Los Angeles on March 15, 2026, with 'Sinners' setting a record with 16 nominations and a new Best Casting category introduced. Host Conan O'Brien returned amid heightened security due to global tensions, including the Iran war backdrop. Major films and industry changes marked the event.
The New York Times has argued that major U.S. awards ceremonies in 2026 have become politically muted compared with past years, with actors and presenters offering restrained or indirect statements. The piece has linked the silence to fear of retaliation, changing public attitudes toward celebrity politics, and historical examples of authoritarian leaders courting cultural figures.