Who is the Oscars announcer? Conan O'Brien calls him 'genius'

The 98th Academy Awards have taken Hollywood by storm, but amidst the glitz of the red carpet and the suspense of the golden statuettes, one voice has captured the public's imagination more than any other. As Conan O'Brien returned to the stage to host the 2026 Oscars, he was joined by a disembodied, booming, and uniquely articulated voice that provided the evening's transitions and introductions. This year, the Academy broke with traditional voiceover norms to select a performer whose vocal stylings are as iconic as the films being honored, leading host Conan O'Brien to publicly label the choice as nothing short of genius.

The official announcer for the 2026 Oscars is English actor and comedian Matt Berry. Known for his distinctive baritone and eccentric delivery, Berry was handpicked to provide the voiceover for the 98th Academy Awards. Host Conan O'Brien praised the casting, calling Berry a genius for his ability to turn simple name introductions into memorable moments of comedy and gravitas. Matt Berry follows in the footsteps of recent celebrity announcers like Nick Offerman and David Alan Grier, signaling a new era for the Oscars telecast.

The Man Behind the Voice: Who is Matt Berry?

For those who might not recognize the name immediately, Matt Berry is a titan of British comedy and a burgeoning star in American television. With a career spanning over two decades, Berry has built a reputation as one of the most versatile and vocally gifted performers in the industry. His voice is often described as a "booming baritone" that carries a sense of Victorian theatricality, making him the perfect choice for the grand stage of the Academy Awards. His involvement in the 2026 ceremony marks a significant moment where the Academy prioritizes personality and unique flair over the standard, polished tones of professional announcers.

Berry's career trajectory has seen him move from cult British hits like The Mighty Boosh and Garth Marenghi's Darkplace to mainstream global success. His ability to deliver lines with a mix of sincerity and absurdity has made him a favorite among writers and directors who look for "that certain something" in a character. At the Oscars, this translated into an announcing style that kept the audience on their toes, never quite knowing how he might pronounce a specific name or phrase.

Conan O'Brien and the 'Genius' Casting

Conan O'Brien, hosting the Oscars for the second consecutive year in 2026, has been vocal about his admiration for Matt Berry. O'Brien, a connoisseur of comedy and unique performance art, recognized that Berry's presence would add a layer of irony and entertainment to the often-stiff proceedings of an awards show. By calling him a "genius," O'Brien highlighted the specific skill it takes to remain professional while infusing every syllable with a sense of character.

The chemistry between O'Brien and Berry was palpable throughout the night, even with Berry appearing only as a voice. Their back-and-forth segments provided some of the night's most genuine laughs, proving that the role of an announcer can be far more than just a utility. It can be a vital part of the show's comedic engine. O'Brien's endorsement of Berry helped set a tone for the evening that was lighter, funnier, and more self-aware than previous years.

Recognizing Matt Berry from What We Do in the Shadows

Perhaps Matt Berry's most recognizable role to modern audiences is that of Laszlo Cravensworth in the hit FX series What We Do in the Shadows. As a centuries-old vampire living in Staten Island, Berry's Laszlo became a fan favorite largely due to his incredible vocal affectations. Whether he was shouting "Bat!" before transforming or discussing his life as a "regular human bartender" named Jackie Daytona, Berry's performance cemented him as a comedic legend.

The transition from a Staten Island vampire to the Oscars announcer was a natural fit. Fans of the show immediately recognized the "Laszlo" DNA in Berry's Oscar introductions. The Academy's decision to lean into his established persona was a win for fans of the series and for viewers who appreciate a bit of subversion in their high-society events. His delivery of nominee names often carried the same rhythmic oddity that made his performance in Shadows so viral.

A History of the 'Voice of God' at the Oscars

The role of the Oscars announcer, often referred to in the industry as the "Voice of God," has evolved significantly over the years. Originally, the role was filled by professional, anonymous voiceover artists whose job was to remain as neutral and clear as possible. However, the last few years have seen a shift toward "personality" announcers. In 2025, the role was held by Nick Offerman, whose dry, woodsy delivery provided a different kind of gravitas. Before him, David Alan Grier brought a high-energy, comedic vibe to the position.

Year	Oscars Announcer
2026	Matt Berry
2025	Nick Offerman
2024	David Alan Grier
2023	Janora McDuffie

This shift suggests that the Academy is looking for ways to keep the telecast fresh and engaging. By hiring actors with "iconic" voices, they create a secondary layer of entertainment for the audience. Matt Berry represents the pinnacle of this trend, as his voice is not just recognizable, but inherently funny and theatrical.

Matt Berry's Extensive Voice Acting Portfolio

While he is a talented on-screen actor, Matt Berry's voice acting portfolio is where he truly shines. He has lent his voice to a staggering array of projects, ranging from children's films to gritty science fiction. His role as the droid 8D8 in The Book of Boba Fett showed his ability to work within major franchises, while his work in Disenchantment as Prince Merkimer allowed him to fully embrace his comedic roots. He also recently voiced a character in A Minecraft Movie, further expanding his reach to younger audiences.

His work on the BBC series Toast of London is particularly relevant to his role as an announcer. In the show, he plays Steven Toast, an eccentric voiceover actor who constantly struggles with the demands of the industry. There is a delicious irony in seeing Berry, who famously played a character frustrated by voiceover direction, become the voice of the most prestigious award show in the world.

Technical Glitches and Audience Reaction

Despite the "genius" casting, the 2026 Oscars broadcast was not without its hurdles. Many viewers took to social media early in the evening to complain about audio balancing issues. It seemed that in the initial segments of the show, Berry's voice was being drowned out by the house orchestra and the audience's applause. Fans were eager to hear his signature inflections and were frustrated that the "booming baritone" was more of a whisper in the mix.

However, once the technical crew adjusted the levels, Berry's performance became the highlight of the night. Social media was flooded with memes and clips of his pronunciations. From the way he said "Cinematography" to his introduction of presenters like Barbra Streisand, Berry managed to trend on Twitter/X throughout the duration of the show. It proved that even with a few technical stumbles, a strong personality can carry the day.

Why Celebrity Announcers are the New Norm

The move toward celebrity announcers is a strategic one for ABC and the Academy. As viewership for traditional award shows has fluctuated, producers are looking for any "hook" that can keep an audience engaged for three or more hours. A celebrity announcer provides a "mystery" element—viewers spend the first twenty minutes trying to place the voice—and then a "reward" element once they realize it's an actor they love.

Matt Berry's involvement specifically targets a demographic that appreciates alternative comedy and cult television. By bridging the gap between the high-brow nature of the Oscars and the low-brow humor of Staten Island vampires, the Academy successfully made the 2026 ceremony feel more inclusive and modern. It’s a trend that is likely to continue, with fans already speculating who might take the microphone in 2027.

How Matt Berry Prepared for the Role

Preparing to announce the Oscars is no small feat. It involves hours of pre-recording "bumpers"—the short segments that lead into commercial breaks—and preparing for the live introductions of winners. For an actor like Berry, who is known for improvisation and unique line reads, the challenge was balancing his personal style with the need for clarity. Industry insiders suggest that Berry worked closely with the show's writers to ensure his "Toast-esque" delivery didn't overshadow the importance of the nominees.

Berry reportedly recorded much of his material from London, adding a literal "British invasion" feel to the Hollywood event. This remote setup is common in modern broadcasting, but Berry’s ability to maintain a high energy level and sync with Conan O’Brien’s live hosting in Los Angeles was a testament to his professionalism. His preparation ensured that even the most difficult names were handled with his trademark "Berry-ism."

FAQ

Who was the announcer for the 2026 Oscars?

The announcer for the 2026 (98th) Academy Awards was the English actor and comedian Matt Berry, best known for his role in What We Do in the Shadows.

Why did Conan O'Brien call the announcer a 'genius'?

Conan O'Brien called Matt Berry a genius because of his unique, booming voice and his ability to bring a comedic and theatrical flair to the role of show announcer.

Was there a technical issue with the Oscars announcer's voice?

Yes, early in the 2026 broadcast, many viewers complained that Matt Berry's voice was too quiet and was being drowned out by the music and audience noise.

What other shows has Matt Berry voiced?

Matt Berry has provided voices for The Book of Boba Fett, Disenchantment, Krapopolis, and films like The Wild Robot and A Minecraft Movie.

Who was the Oscars announcer before Matt Berry?

In 2025, the announcer was actor Nick Offerman. In 2024, the role was filled by David Alan Grier.

Conclusion

The 2026 Oscars will be remembered for many things—stunning wins, emotional speeches, and the steady hand of Conan O’Brien—but the booming, eccentric voice of Matt Berry provided the show's true heartbeat. By choosing an announcer with such a defined and beloved personality, the Academy proved that it isn't afraid to have a little fun with its own traditions. Matt Berry didn’t just announce the winners; he became part of the entertainment itself, justifying Conan O’Brien’s "genius" label. As the curtain falls on the 98th Academy Awards, the industry is left wondering how anyone will ever top the unique, theatrical, and utterly unforgettable performance of the man from Staten Island via London.

Who is the Oscars announcer? Conan O'Brien calls him 'genius'

Who is the Oscars announcer? Conan O'Brien calls him 'genius' Wallpapers

Collection of who is the oscars announcer? conan o'brien calls him 'genius' wallpapers for your desktop and mobile devices.

Captivating Who Is The Oscars Announcer? Conan O'brien Calls Him 'genius' Wallpaper Collection

A captivating who is the oscars announcer? conan o'brien calls him 'genius' scene that brings tranquility and beauty to any device.

Beautiful Who Is The Oscars Announcer? Conan O'brien Calls Him 'genius' Image Collection

Experience the crisp clarity of this stunning who is the oscars announcer? conan o'brien calls him 'genius' image, available in high resolution for all your screens.

Crisp Who Is The Oscars Announcer? Conan O'brien Calls Him 'genius' Background Illustration

This gorgeous who is the oscars announcer? conan o'brien calls him 'genius' photo offers a breathtaking view, making it a perfect choice for your next wallpaper.

Crisp Who Is The Oscars Announcer? Conan O'brien Calls Him 'genius' Abstract Concept

Immerse yourself in the stunning details of this beautiful who is the oscars announcer? conan o'brien calls him 'genius' wallpaper, designed for a captivating visual experience.

High-Quality Who Is The Oscars Announcer? Conan O'brien Calls Him 'genius' Artwork for Mobile

Transform your screen with this vivid who is the oscars announcer? conan o'brien calls him 'genius' artwork, a true masterpiece of digital design.

Stunning Who Is The Oscars Announcer? Conan O'brien Calls Him 'genius' Picture Photography

Immerse yourself in the stunning details of this beautiful who is the oscars announcer? conan o'brien calls him 'genius' wallpaper, designed for a captivating visual experience.

Vivid Who Is The Oscars Announcer? Conan O'brien Calls Him 'genius' Photo for Mobile

Experience the crisp clarity of this stunning who is the oscars announcer? conan o'brien calls him 'genius' image, available in high resolution for all your screens.

Dynamic Who Is The Oscars Announcer? Conan O'brien Calls Him 'genius' Design Photography

Find inspiration with this unique who is the oscars announcer? conan o'brien calls him 'genius' illustration, crafted to provide a fresh look for your background.

Stunning Who Is The Oscars Announcer? Conan O'brien Calls Him 'genius' Scene in HD

A captivating who is the oscars announcer? conan o'brien calls him 'genius' scene that brings tranquility and beauty to any device.

High-Quality Who Is The Oscars Announcer? Conan O'brien Calls Him 'genius' Background in HD

Experience the crisp clarity of this stunning who is the oscars announcer? conan o'brien calls him 'genius' image, available in high resolution for all your screens.

Vivid Who Is The Oscars Announcer? Conan O'brien Calls Him 'genius' Abstract for Your Screen

Experience the crisp clarity of this stunning who is the oscars announcer? conan o'brien calls him 'genius' image, available in high resolution for all your screens.

Breathtaking Who Is The Oscars Announcer? Conan O'brien Calls Him 'genius' Moment Nature

Explore this high-quality who is the oscars announcer? conan o'brien calls him 'genius' image, perfect for enhancing your desktop or mobile wallpaper.

Amazing Who Is The Oscars Announcer? Conan O'brien Calls Him 'genius' View in 4K

Explore this high-quality who is the oscars announcer? conan o'brien calls him 'genius' image, perfect for enhancing your desktop or mobile wallpaper.

Lush Who Is The Oscars Announcer? Conan O'brien Calls Him 'genius' Design in 4K

A captivating who is the oscars announcer? conan o'brien calls him 'genius' scene that brings tranquility and beauty to any device.

Crisp Who Is The Oscars Announcer? Conan O'brien Calls Him 'genius' Landscape Photography

This gorgeous who is the oscars announcer? conan o'brien calls him 'genius' photo offers a breathtaking view, making it a perfect choice for your next wallpaper.

Amazing Who Is The Oscars Announcer? Conan O'brien Calls Him 'genius' Background in HD

Explore this high-quality who is the oscars announcer? conan o'brien calls him 'genius' image, perfect for enhancing your desktop or mobile wallpaper.

Amazing Who Is The Oscars Announcer? Conan O'brien Calls Him 'genius' Design in HD

Transform your screen with this vivid who is the oscars announcer? conan o'brien calls him 'genius' artwork, a true masterpiece of digital design.

Breathtaking Who Is The Oscars Announcer? Conan O'brien Calls Him 'genius' Picture for Mobile

Experience the crisp clarity of this stunning who is the oscars announcer? conan o'brien calls him 'genius' image, available in high resolution for all your screens.

Beautiful Who Is The Oscars Announcer? Conan O'brien Calls Him 'genius' Moment Illustration

Discover an amazing who is the oscars announcer? conan o'brien calls him 'genius' background image, ideal for personalizing your devices with vibrant colors and intricate designs.

Breathtaking Who Is The Oscars Announcer? Conan O'brien Calls Him 'genius' Design in HD

Discover an amazing who is the oscars announcer? conan o'brien calls him 'genius' background image, ideal for personalizing your devices with vibrant colors and intricate designs.

Download these who is the oscars announcer? conan o'brien calls him 'genius' wallpapers for free and use them on your desktop or mobile devices.

Related Keyword: