Conan O'Brien Returns to Host the 98th Academy Awards with a Bold Opening Monologue
The 98th Academy Awards commenced with comedian Conan O'Brien taking the stage as host, delivering an opening monologue that left no one in the audience safe from his witty and often biting humor. The ceremony began with a pre-recorded video featuring O'Brien channeling Amy Madigan's character from Weapons, as he was chased by a group of children through scenes from the films nominated for Best Picture. This creative segment set the tone for an evening filled with laughter and surprises.
After the video concluded, the broadcast cut to O'Brien arriving at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, where he performed an impressively quick outfit change before stepping onto the stage. In his opening speech, O'Brien immediately addressed the growing influence of artificial intelligence, stating, "I'm honoured to be the last human host of the Academy Awards." He then contrasted the current event with last year's, joking, "Last year, when I hosted, LA was on fire, but this year everything is going great."
Targeting Celebrities and Industry Giants
O'Brien wasted no time in roasting the room, starting with actor Timothée Chalamet, who is nominated for Best Male Actor for his lead role in Marty Supreme. He quipped, "Security is tight, there are concerns of attacks from the ballet and opera community," adding, "They're just mad you left out jazz." This jab referenced the backlash Chalamet faced after a viral video where he said "no one cares" about opera and ballet. The camera cut to Chalamet, who laughed in response, showing he took the joke in good stride.
The host also took aim at major streaming services, mocking Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos by joking it was his first time in a theatre. He targeted Amazon Studios as well, which produced no Oscar-nominated movies this year, asking, "Why isn't the website I ordered toilet paper from winning more Oscars?" Additionally, O'Brien poked fun at lesser-known categories, such as Best Documentary and Short Films, referring to them as "little sads."
Controversial Jokes and Political Commentary
O'Brien then ventured into more controversial territory with a joke referencing Jeffrey Epstein and former Prince Andrew during the 2026 ceremony. Without naming them directly, he pointed out the absence of British nominees in the Best Actor and Actress categories, saying, "For the first time since 2012, there are no British actors nominated," and adding, "But at least they arrest the paedophiles over there." The crowd initially seemed unsure how to react but eventually burst into applause as the shock subsided.
He also warned that the evening could get political, joking that if anyone felt uncomfortable, there was an alternative Oscars hosted by Kid Rock down the street. This mocked the singer's headline performance at an alternative Super Bowl halftime show, which was launched in protest to Bad Bunny performing in Spanish at the official event.
Ending on a Light Note
O'Brien concluded his monologue by reflecting on the Iran-Israel war, noting these are "chaotic, frightening times" before lightening the mood. He re-enacted what would happen if he won an Oscar, stating that while most winners show modesty and humility, he would not be the same. He then accepted a fake Oscar with royal music, a crown, and a robe, bringing the opening segment to a humorous and memorable close.
