2026 Oscars: Last Year's Winners Return as Presenters

The 98th Academy Awards, scheduled for March 15, 2026, will feature last year's acting winners as presenters. Adrien Brody, Kieran Culkin, Mikey Madison, and Zoe Saldaña will return to the Dolby Theatre to hand out awards, continuing a long-standing tradition of the Oscars. This announcement was made by executive producer and showrunner Raj Kapoor and executive producer Katy Mullan. Brody won Best Actor for his role in "The Brutalist," Madison took home Best Actress for "Anora," Culkin won Best Supporting Actor for "A Real Pain," and Saldaña received Best Supporting Actress for "Emilia Pérez."

IndieWireVariety MagazineThe WrapUnited Press International (UPI)Hollywood Reporter

The Academy Awards have a history of having previous winners present the awards in the following year. Traditionally, male winners present to female nominees and vice versa; however, recent ceremonies have seen a shift where winners present within the same gender categories. This year, it remains to be seen which categories the returning winners will present, as the Academy has not yet confirmed this detail.

The Wrap

This year's nominations are led by Ryan Coogler's "Sinners," which has set a record with 16 nominations, followed by Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another," which garnered 13 nominations. Other films nominated for Best Picture include "Bugonia," "F1," "Frankenstein," "Hamnet," "Marty Supreme," "The Secret Agent," "Sentimental Value," and "Train Dreams." The ceremony will be hosted by Conan O'Brien for the second consecutive year and will air live on ABC and stream on Hulu, starting at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT.

Hollywood Reporter

Craig Erwich, president of Disney Television Group, expressed enthusiasm for O'Brien's return, stating, "Conan's unique comedic style perfectly captured the moment, and I'm excited to have his talents back onstage next year to helm another indelible performance."

United Press International (UPI)

While the tradition of returning winners as presenters is generally well-received, some critics argue that the Academy should consider diversifying its presenter choices to include a broader range of voices and experiences, reflecting the evolving landscape of the film industry.

IndieWire

As the Oscars approach, additional presenters will be announced in the coming weeks. The next significant events leading up to the Oscars include the BAFTA Awards and the Producers Guild of America Awards, which may influence the momentum of the nominees.

IndieWire

• “We're honored to have him and the producing team back next year.” — Craig Erwich, President of Disney Television Group

United Press International (UPI)

This year's Oscars promise to maintain the excitement and tradition that have characterized the ceremony, with last year's winners playing a pivotal role in the celebration of cinematic achievements.

IndieWire