Conan O’Brien Creates Buzz With Unexpected Jokes During Oscars Night

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Conan O’Brien hosted the 98th Academy Awards for the second time, bringing his signature style of funny, self-aware jokes and insightful observations about society. He started the show with a fast-paced video showing him playfully appearing in scenes from popular movies of the year, even dressing up as a character from Weapons. Once on stage at the Dolby Theatre, he immediately acknowledged how quickly the entertainment industry is changing, specifically mentioning the growing influence of artificial intelligence.

Conan O’Brien and Liza Powel O’Brien walk the red carpet at the #Oscars.

— 0N7 BASE (@0N7Base) March 15, 2026

Conan O’Brien opened the Academy Awards with a humorous bit, jokingly referring to himself as the last human host before a self-driving car takes over next year. His opening monologue wasn’t afraid to address serious topics like increased security and global issues, but he balanced them with plenty of laughs. He acknowledged the difficult times the world is facing, but ultimately emphasized how movies can bring people together.

The host playfully teased the celebrities in the audience, especially Timothée Chalamet. Referencing Chalamet’s previous comments about whether traditional art is popular enough, the host joked that the increased security was to protect him from angry opera and ballet fans. Chalamet laughed along, and the host added, “They’re just mad you didn’t mention jazz!”

The host also made fun of big companies like Netflix, playfully questioning why Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s chief, was at a movie theater. He then joked about why companies like Amazon and Walmart weren’t winning Oscars for their delivery services, asking, “Why isn’t the website I order toilet paper from winning more awards?” This highlighted the unusual mix of technology companies and high-end filmmaking that characterizes modern awards shows.

Since finishing his late-night talk show, Conan O’Brien has continued to be a popular comedian. He found success with his podcast, Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, and recently starred in the critically acclaimed travel series Conan O’Brien Must Go, where he humorously explored different cultures. He’s also reportedly working on a new scripted comedy series for a major streaming service, but details are still secret.

The Oscars celebrated a wide range of talent, with Amy Madigan winning Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the gripping film Weapons. The movie, directed by Zach Cregger and starring Pedro Pascal and Renate Reinsve, was a major talking point this year.

A touching tribute to the late director Rob Reiner was also a highlight of the show. Many of the nominees are already gearing up for new projects, with presenters like Robert Downey Jr. and Anne Hathaway set to appear in several big summer movies.

Now that the awards season is over, attention is turning to film festivals in Cannes and Venice, where the next potential award winners will likely be discovered. The broadcast was watched by millions in 31 countries, and host Jimmy Kimmel closed the show by emphasizing the enduring power of art around the world. He noted that the evening was a celebration of “film, but to the ideals of global artistry, collaboration, patience, resilience, and that rarest of qualities today – optimism.”

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2026-03-17 12:14