Conan O’Brien Hosts the 2026 Oscars: A Night of Humor and Political Commentary

Conan O’Brien returned to host the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, delivering a lively opening monologue that blended humor with pointed political commentary. O’Brien began by referencing his own appearance, quipping, “I am honored to be the last human host of the Academy Awards. Next year, it’s going to be a Waymo in a tux.” He quickly turned to Timothée Chalamet, who faced backlash for comments about ballet and opera, stating, “Security is extremely tight tonight. I’m told there are concerns about attacks from both the opera and ballet communities.” This drew laughter from the audience, including Chalamet himself.

Newsweek

O’Brien also took jabs at Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, humorously noting, “It’s his first time in a theater!” and impersonating Sarandos’s thoughts about the event. The monologue concluded on a more serious note, where O’Brien emphasized the importance of the Oscars in “chaotic, frightening times,” celebrating global artistry and collaboration.

Variety Magazine

The ceremony was marked by significant achievements, including Autumn Durald Arkapaw becoming the first woman to win an Oscar for cinematography for her work on "Sinners." The film "One Battle After Another," directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, dominated the night, winning Best Picture and five other awards, including Best Director for Anderson. Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor for his role in "Sinners," while Chalamet, despite high expectations, left empty-handed.

Despite Conan O’Brien’s distasteful hosting, 98th Academy Awards remain potent political platform

The event also featured a notable tie for Best Live Action Short Film, an unusual occurrence in Oscar history. The performances throughout the night, including a musical number from "Sinners," were well-received, although technical issues marred the broadcast, leading to frustrations among viewers.

Hollywood Reporter

O’Brien’s hosting style sparked mixed reactions online. While some praised his ability to roast Chalamet and address political issues, others criticized his humor as lacking depth. Social media responses varied, with some viewers defending O’Brien’s performance as authentic and engaging, while others found his jokes distasteful.

Deadline Hollywood

Critics highlighted the contrast between O’Brien’s comedic approach and the more serious political messages delivered by award winners, such as Javier Bardem’s call for peace in Palestine. The juxtaposition of lighthearted humor and poignant commentary on pressing global issues underscored the Oscars' dual role as both a celebration of film and a platform for social critique.

The Hill

Overall, the 2026 Oscars showcased a blend of humor, history-making wins, and political commentary, reflecting the complexities of the current cultural landscape. O’Brien’s return as host was met with both applause and critique, but his ability to navigate the fine line between entertainment and serious discourse was evident throughout the evening. As the Academy prepares for its transition to YouTube in 2029, the 2026 ceremony served as a reminder of the Oscars' enduring relevance in both Hollywood and the broader societal context.

People Magazine