Who Will Host the Oscars 2026? Early 2025 Betting Trends

The Dolby Theatre stage has barely cooled from the 97th Academy Awards, where Conan O’Brien deftly navigated the glitz, glamour, and inevitable long speeches of Hollywood’s biggest night. By most accounts, the veteran late-night host delivered a solid, funny, and refreshingly self-aware performance in early 2025, proving a capable hand after the Academy sought a new face following Jimmy Kimmel’s impressive four-year consecutive run. But in Hollywood, the cycle never stops. Even as the industry dissects the wins, losses, and memorable moments of the last Oscars, the perennial question inevitably arises: Who will host the next one?

Why the Host Still Matters

In an era of dwindling awards show viewership and fragmented media consumption, the role of the Oscar host remains a crucial, if often thankless, job. They are the ringmaster, the comedic relief, the traffic cop, and occasionally, the lightning rod for criticism. A great host can elevate the ceremony, providing viral moments, sharp commentary, and a sense of cohesion to a notoriously lengthy broadcast. They need to appeal to the A-listers in the room and the millions watching at home, navigate potential controversies with grace, and keep the energy up through countless categories. Conversely, a misstep by the host can dominate headlines for all the wrong reasons. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences knows this well, making the host selection a high-stakes decision impacting ratings, relevance, and overall perception.

Assessing Conan’s Debut: One and Done, or Round Two?

Conan O’Brien’s 2025 hosting gig marked a significant shift. After years dominated by Kimmel’s reliable presence, O’Brien brought his signature blend of absurdity, self-deprecation, and seasoned interviewing skills to the stage. With his performance generally well-received, the immediate question is whether he’d be willing, or be asked, to return for 2026.

Pros for Conan Returning

Continuity can be appealing. If he found a successful formula and enjoyed the experience, the Academy might favor a known quantity. His brand of humor is distinct from Kimmel’s, offering a different flavor that might have resonated well.

Cons for Conan Returning

The Academy sometimes prefers novelty, rotating hosts to keep things fresh. O’Brien himself might feel he’s ticked the box and prefer to focus on his other projects. Hosting the Oscars is notoriously demanding, and a second consecutive year is a significant commitment.

Early odds might place O’Brien as a possibility, but perhaps not the frontrunner. He’s proven he can do it, but the desire for a fresh face or a return to a different style could lead the Academy elsewhere.

The Post-Kimmel Landscape: A Vacuum to Fill

Jimmy Kimmel’s decision not to pursue a fifth consecutive year (and sixth overall) is significant. He became synonymous with the modern Oscars, a steady hand known for his sharp monologue, recurring bits (like the Matt Damon feud on Jimmy Kimmel Live), and ability to handle live TV surprises (like the Moonlight/La La Land envelope mix-up). His departure genuinely opens the door for a new era. It forces the Academy and the show’s producers to think differently about the tone and style they want for the 2026 ceremony. Do they seek another established late-night voice, a movie star, a stand-up comedian, or perhaps return to a hostless format (though that experiment has yielded mixed results)?

The Usual Suspects: Late-Night and Stand-Up Royalty

Naturally, speculation often turns to other prominent figures in comedy:

• Stephen Colbert:Possesses the intellect, political savvy, and live performance experience. However, his style is often more pointedly satirical, which might be a different fit for the broader Oscars audience.
• Seth Meyers:Known for his sharp writing (“A Closer Look”) and amiable persona. He has Golden Globes hosting experience, proving his capability in a similar setting.
• John Mulaney:A critical darling with multiple acclaimed stand-up specials and recent successful hosting stints (like the Governors Awards). His slightly quirky, observational humor could be a refreshing change, and he has strong industry respect. He often tops speculative lists.
• Hasan Minhaj:Energetic, charismatic, and adept at blending humor with social commentary. His style is dynamic, though perhaps less traditional for the Oscar stage.
• Taylor Tomlinson:A rapidly rising star in stand-up with a growing late-night presence. While perhaps less experienced with large-scale awards shows, she represents a fresh, younger voice the Academy might be seeking.

Hollywood Stars with Hosting Chops

The Academy sometimes taps into its own pool, selecting actors known for their charisma and comedic timing:

• Ryan Gosling:After his scene-stealing “I’m Just Ken” performance at the 2024 Oscars and his general charm offensive, his name frequently comes up. He has Saturday Night Live hosting experience and undeniable star power.
• Emma Stone:Known for her wit and likability, she could be a compelling choice, though leading actors often shy away from the demanding hosting role.
• Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson:Possesses global appeal, immense charisma, and experience commanding large stages. He’s been mentioned as a potential host for years.
• Kevin Hart:Despite the controversy that led him to step down from hosting in 2019, Hart remains a hugely popular comedian and actor. Could enough time have passed for a reconsideration?

The Ensemble or Duo Possibility

Remembering the success of pairings like Tina Fey and Amy Poehler at the Golden Globes, or Steve Martin and Martin Short (who co-hosted the Oscars in the past), the Academy might consider a duo or even a small group. A trio from a popular film or show could be chosen; it’s logistically complex but it could generate buzz.

The actual decision-making process typically ramps up in the late summer or early fall. The Academy hires producers for the show, and those producers play a significant role in selecting and pitching the host (subject to Academy approval). We likely won’t have a definitive answer until late 2025 or even early 2026. Until then, the speculation is part of the fun. Who has the right blend of humor, star power, and unflappability to command the world’s most famous awards stage? After Conan O’Brien’s successful turn in the post-Kimmel era, the field for 2026 is wide open, and the early betting suggests we could be in for another fresh face at the helm of the 98th Academy Awards.