Cover Conan O'Brien at the 98th Annual Oscars held at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rich Polk/Penske Media/Getty Images)
Conan O'Brien at the 98th Annual Oscars held at Dolby Theatre on March 15, 2026 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Rich Polk/Penske Media/Getty Images)
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Who should host the Oscars next? From Conan O’Brien to Nikki Glaser, these comedians have the charm and timing to lead Hollywood’s biggest night
Hollywood loves a great show. After all, hosting the Academy Awards is no easy task: it requires sharp wit, impeccable timing and the ability to keep a room full of A-list stars entertained. Over the years, the Oscars stage has been graced by everyone from seasoned comedians to late-night hosts and even unexpected celebrity pairings, each bringing their own style to Hollywood’s biggest night.
But as the Academy looks ahead, one question continues to spark debate among fans and industry insiders alike: who should host the Oscars next? From comedy veterans like Conan O'Brien to rising stars such as Marcello Hernández, these entertainers have the charisma, humour and star power to command the Oscars stage.
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Conan O’Brien
Above Could Conan O’Brien become an Oscar Awards host threepeater?
Conan O’Brien returned this year with an opening bit and monologue that were equal parts hilarious, uplifting and absurd—trademark Conan antics that make his Oscar hosting style distinctly his own. Those nostalgic for Late Night with Conan O’Brien would have found plenty to enjoy.
There was a timely joke aimed at Timotheé Chalamet, a jab at Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos and an elaborate skit that featured a performance by Josh Groban. But there was also that sweet moment where he reminded everyone about the power of art to inspire optimism even in the darkest of times.
There’s no question Conan O’Brien has found his stride, and if anyone is wondering who should host the Oscars next, this year’s host just made it clear that the answer may already be standing on stage.
See more: Here's a summary of the nominees for the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars) and some highlights to watch
Stephen Colbert
Above Could one of these two brilliant late-night hosts become the master of ceremonies at the Oscars next year?
He’s certainly available for the gig—for now, at least. With The Late Show with Stephen Colbert set to go off the air in May, Colbert has yet to announce what he plans to do next. Perhaps he’ll take a much-deserved vacation with his beloved wife, Evie. Maybe he’ll start a podcast like Conan O’Brien or Amy Poehler. Or he could step up to be the next Oscars host
He may not be a traditional stand-up comedian, like many past masters of ceremonies. However, for the record, neither is Conan O’Brien (or Anne Hathaway and James Franco, for that matter). Like O’Brien, he is a late-night host, comedian and writer. He is also a brilliant satirist, known for his work on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Colbert Report.
Should he host the Oscars next, he could bring something fresh and unexpected to the stage. He could invite Meryl Streep or Leonardo DiCaprio to take “The Colbert Questionnaire” or geek out about Lord of the Rings all night.
See more: Oscars 2025: 5 of the funniest highlights from Conan O’Brien’s opening monologue
Marcello Hernandez
Above Marcello Hernandez could bring in a younger demographic
If the Oscars are hoping to appeal to a younger audience, Marcello Hernandez could be the perfect choice. Clips from the comedian’s recent Netflix comedy special, Marcello Hernández: American Boy, as well as guest appearances on popular YouTube show Royal Court, the podcast TigerBelly and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, made the rounds on TikTok, proving he has plenty of Gen Z clout.
Although much of his stand-up set draws on his Latino upbringing, his day job on Saturday Night Live—where he has quickly become a fan favourite cast member—has showcased his broad comedic range and easy rapport with celebrity guests.
Those qualities could prove invaluable if the Academy is searching for who should host the Oscars next, as the role demands quick wit, cultural awareness and the ability to charm a room full of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Tina Fey and Amy Poehler
Above Will the four-time Golden Globe hosts take on the Oscars gig next year?
If the Oscars were handing out trophies for awards-night hosts, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler would definitely be top contenders. Watch the highlights from the four times they hosted the Golden Globes on YouTube to see how professionals do it right, or if you want a really good laugh.
They brought the same sharp comedic energy and chemistry from their days as co-anchors of Saturday Night Live’s “Weekend Update”. The jokes were smart, the callbacks to the films were spot-on, the shoutouts to the nominees were witty and the roasting was friendly and playful. Nobody was spared—not even George Clooney.
Hosting the Oscars is said to be a different beast—less loosey-goosey and boozy than the Golden Globes—but if there’s anyone who can make it look effortless, it’s Tina Fey and Amy Poehler.
Graham Norton
Above UK’s Graham Norton never fails to delight
Across the pond, the beloved and inimitable Graham Norton regularly welcomes Hollywood’s biggest stars on his chat show The Graham Norton Show. With his sharp, dry humour, a knack for putting guests at ease and experience hosting the BAFTAs and Eurovision, he would make a compelling choice for the next Oscars host.
It wouldn’t be the first time a Brit would host an American awards show. Ricky Gervais infamously hosted the Golden Globes five times, James Corden hosted the Grammys and Tony Awards and actor David Niven was master of ceremonies at the Oscars thrice, including the time a streaker ran across the stage.
Norton has charmed everyone from Robert De Niro to Taylor Swift, possesses a quick wit and is a bundle of energy—things that would come in useful if he were to host the Oscar Awards next.
Nikki Glaser
Above Nikki Glaser could be ready to take on Hollywood’s biggest night
After her well-received turn hosting the Golden Globe Awards, which earned her a return booking at next year’s ceremony, Nikki Glaser has proven she could easily take on the Academy Awards stage one day too.
Known for her spicy comedy and snarky roasts, she managed to tailor her act to the occasion without losing her edge. Her playful jab at Leonardo DiCaprio is a prime example—scoring laughs from audiences both at home and in the room, and perhaps most importantly, from DiCaprio himself. It’s that kind of balancing act that makes her a top candidate to become the next Oscars host.
Finding the perfect Oscars host is never easy, but the ceremony thrives when the right personality takes centre stage. Whether it is the irreverent humour of Marcello Hernández, the polished satire of Stephen Colbert, the effortless chemistry of Tina Fey and Amy Poehler or even the return of Conan O'Brien for a possible threepeat, each contender brings something unique to the table. As the Academy looks ahead, the question of who should host the Oscars next remains open—but with talent like this, Hollywood’s biggest night would be in very capable hands.
Maggie Adan is a content writer, editor, and strategist with extensive experience across print, digital, and social media publishing. Formerly editor-in-chief at K-Zone Philippines, Summit Books and Content Lab, she has written lifestyle stories covering everything from entertainment and travel to beauty and wellness. A storyteller at heart with a keen editorial eye and a passion for narrative, she contributes to various publications and helps brands create and curate content for their social media platforms.
