Conan O’Brien to Host Hulu Awards Again | Second Year

Conan O’Brien will once again host the Academy Awards, and for viewers planning to tune in, the 98th annual ceremony will be accessible both on traditional television via ABC and through live streaming on Hulu. The broadcast is scheduled for March 15, 2026, at 7 p.m. Eastern Time, originating from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. This marks O’Brien’s second consecutive year leading the event, following a 2025 performance that reportedly boosted viewership to a five-year high.

A Ratings Boost and a Return Engagement

ABC and Hulu announced O’Brien’s return, signaling confidence in his ability to draw an audience. The 2025 Oscars, hosted by O’Brien, saw a significant increase in ratings, a key metric for both the network and the streaming platform. Whereas specific viewership numbers weren’t immediately available, the reported five-year high suggests a successful strategy to attract both traditional television viewers and those preferring to stream the event. This is particularly important as the entertainment landscape continues to shift towards on-demand and streaming services. Hulu, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is increasingly central to Disney’s overall media strategy, and a high-profile event like the Oscars provides a valuable opportunity to showcase the platform’s capabilities and attract subscribers. You can find more details about the event on The Walt Disney Company’s news page.

Beyond the Glitz: A Documentary Nomination with Local Roots

The 98th Academy Awards aren’t just about star power and red-carpet glamour. A nomination for “The Perfect Neighbor,” a Netflix documentary, adds a layer of social relevance to the proceedings. The film investigates the 2023 shooting of Ajike “AJ” Owens by her neighbor, Susan Lorincz, in Ocala, Florida. The case garnered significant media attention and sparked conversations about neighborhood disputes and gun violence. According to reporting in Florida Today, the documentary quickly amassed 16.7 million views within its first three days of release in October 2025, demonstrating a strong public interest in the story. The nomination highlights the growing role of documentary filmmaking in addressing important social issues and bringing them to a wider audience. Netflix’s involvement as well underscores the increasing influence of streaming services in the production and distribution of award-winning content.

The Business of Broadcasting and Streaming

The dual broadcast on ABC and Hulu represents a strategic approach to maximizing reach and revenue. For ABC, the Oscars provide a significant advertising opportunity, with commercial slots commanding premium prices. The network benefits from the event’s prestige and the potential to attract a large and engaged audience. Hulu, leverages the Oscars to drive subscriptions and demonstrate the value of its live streaming service. Offering the event live alongside the traditional broadcast allows Hulu to cater to cord-cutters and viewers who prefer the convenience of streaming. This hybrid model is becoming increasingly common in the entertainment industry, as media companies seek to balance the demands of traditional broadcasting with the growth of digital platforms.

What’s at Stake for Disney and Hulu

The success of the Oscars broadcast is closely watched by investors and analysts as a barometer of Disney’s overall performance. Disney has been navigating a challenging media landscape, facing increased competition from other streaming services and a decline in traditional cable viewership. Hulu plays a crucial role in Disney’s streaming strategy, and its ability to attract and retain subscribers is essential for the company’s long-term growth. A strong Oscars performance can boost Hulu’s brand awareness and drive subscriber acquisition, while a disappointing result could raise concerns about the platform’s competitiveness. Disney’s stock price is sensitive to these types of events, and investors will be closely monitoring the viewership numbers and critical reception of the broadcast. The company’s recent earnings reports have emphasized the importance of streaming growth, and the Oscars represent a key opportunity to deliver on that promise.

Presenter Lineup and Anticipated Performances

While the full presenter lineup hasn’t been released as of March 16, 2026, mlive.com reports that announcements regarding presenters are forthcoming. The selection of presenters often reflects a mix of established stars and rising talent, aiming to appeal to a broad audience. Musical performances are also a key component of the Oscars ceremony, and speculation is already circulating about potential performers. These elements contribute to the overall entertainment value of the event and help to attract viewers. The selection of performers and presenters is a delicate balancing act, requiring consideration of factors such as popularity, critical acclaim, and cultural relevance.

Looking Ahead: Post-Broadcast Analysis and Industry Trends

Following the broadcast, industry analysts will dissect the viewership numbers, social media engagement, and critical reception to assess the success of the event. The data will provide valuable insights into the evolving preferences of audiences and the effectiveness of different broadcasting and streaming strategies. The Oscars also serve as a platform for showcasing the latest advancements in filmmaking technology and storytelling techniques. The trends observed at the awards ceremony often influence the direction of the entertainment industry in the years to come. The increasing prominence of streaming services, the growing demand for diverse and inclusive content, and the blurring lines between traditional and digital media are all factors that will continue to shape the future of the Oscars and the broader entertainment landscape.

The 98th Academy Awards, with Conan O’Brien at the helm, represents more than just a celebration of cinematic achievement. It’s a significant event for the media companies involved, a reflection of broader cultural trends, and a key indicator of the evolving entertainment industry. Viewers can catch the reveal live on ABC and Hulu on March 15, 2026.