Conan O’Brien brought an air of irreverence and humour to the 98th Academy Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on 15 March. Having returned as host for a second consecutive year, O’Brien showcased his trademark wit in an opening monologue that had audiences roaring with laughter.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Conan-OBrien-oscars-2026-031526-be8fa585368f4dc39a2bca38b88e4077.jpg)
The comedian, aged 62, took to the stage with a self-deprecating introduction, stating, “I’m Conan O’Brien and I’m honoured to be the last human Oscars host.” Revealing his signature style, he quickly pivoted to a light-hearted jibe at Timothée Chalamet, referencing the actor’s earlier remarks regarding the perceived lack of interest in ballet and opera. “Security is extremely tight tonight… I’m told there’s concerns about attacks from both the opera and ballet communities,” he quipped, much to the amusement of Chalamet who was in attendance.
O’Brien continued to impress the audience with observations about this year’s films, particularly highlighting ‘F1’, describing it as a captivating tale of a race car driver who triumphantly learns to accelerate. His clever commentary on this year’s major cinematic offerings added a layer of engagement, providing laughter while celebrating film, a theme that resonated throughout the evening.
The host also took a moment to nod towards ‘Sinners’—the film that received the most Oscar nominations in history—remarking on the decision of writer-director Ryan Coogler to decline an Academy membership, stating, “But the rest of you pricks seem to love it.” The audience responded with laughter at the audacious comment, showcasing O’Brien’s knack for balancing irreverence and warmth.
O’Brien’s humour extended to his co-star Rose Byrne, featured in their film ‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’. He reflected on the challenge of acting alongside someone he had a considerable crush on, while praising Byrne’s talents, which underscored the camaraderie present among this year’s nominees.
In a playful segment, O’Brien also aimed to create a viral moment featuring Leonardo DiCaprio. As DiCaprio appeared on-screen, a caption jokingly read, “TFW [that feeling when] You Didn’t Agree to This,” eliciting a confused yet cooperative expression from the actor. This moment encapsulated the blend of spontaneity and strategy that defined O’Brien’s hosting style.
As the monologue unfolded, O’Brien concluded on a heartfelt note, paying tribute not just to cinematic achievements but also to the broader themes of global artistry, collaboration, and optimism—a message he felt was timely in today’s world. Shortly thereafter, he accepted a mock Oscar, complete with royal embellishments, to the sound of a serenade by singer Josh Groban.
The night’s opening was further characterised by a pre-recorded video featuring O’Brien dressed as Aunt Gladys, a character from ‘Weapons’, comically chased by children as he interacted with scenes from various nominated films. This whimsical approach set the tone for an evening of creativity and celebration, culminating in a standing ovation as he made his entrance to the Dolby Theatre stage.
O’Brien’s return as host followed his successful stint at the previous year’s ceremony, where he received acclaim for his engaging and warm approach. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Janet Yang praised his hosting skills, affirming that he guided the proceedings with a blend of humour and respect for the cinematic arts.
Prior to the awards, O’Brien expressed excitement for the event, suggesting that this year’s ceremony would elevate the showmanship aspect. He hinted at a promise of “magic” in the air, broadening the expectations for the audience, while reflecting on the myriad of possibilities for the show.
Looking ahead, O’Brien playfully mentioned his motivation to host again: “The only reason I’m hosting the Oscars next year is that I want to hear Adrien Brody finish his speech,” referencing Brody’s famously lengthy acceptance address from last year. This quip exemplified O’Brien’s ability to keep the atmosphere light and engaging throughout the evening.
As the 98th Academy Awards showcased not just outstanding films but also a spirit of inclusiveness and humour, O’Brien proved once again that he is not just a host but a masterful performer who knows how to connect with both his audience and the stars. The evening concluded with audiences at home treated to a blend of heartfelt tributes, cinematic celebrations, and memorable comedic moments, ensuring that this year’s Oscars will be remembered for some time to come.