Oscars host jokes about being “last human host”, Netflix, Amazon and more
Legendary comedian and talk show host Conan O’Brien didn’t hold back in his opening monologue at the 98th Academy Awards.
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony took place on 15 March 2026 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles.
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We’re only three months into 2026, and there is already so much that has happened, Conan O’Brien had even more material to work with for his second time hosting the event.
His first Oscars hosting gig in 2025 took place less than two months after the devastating fires ripped through Los Angeles.
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However, given the serious events unfolding worldwide and the political climate in America, O’Brien delivered an opening monologue that perfectly balanced sensitivity and silliness.
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Roasting the attendees and nominees is an integral part of hosting any award show.
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Nobody was surprised when O’Brien mentioned Academy Award nominee Timothée Chalamet and his recent controversial comments about ballet and opera.
Chalamet sparked massive backlash after saying no one cares about the two historical art forms.
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The host took the opportunity to mention that there were reports that the security at the Oscars had been toughened up, joking that it was because of “concerns about attacks from both the opera and ballet communities”, when in reality it was due to threats from Iran following the US military strikes in the country.
“They’re just mad you left out jazz,” O’Brien said to Chalamet, who smiled along.
He also blasted through various topics, which included: political divides, artificial intelligence, the head of Netflix, Ted Sarandos, Amazon, and Jeffrey Epstein.
I am Conan O’Brien, and I am honoured to be the last human host of the Academy Awards. Next year, it’s going to be a Waymo in a tux. Tonight could get political, and if that makes you uncomfortable, there’s an alternate Oscars hosted by Kid Rock. It’s at the Dave & Buster’s down the street.
On the United States healthcare system, he said, "In 'Hamnet', Shakespeare’s wife gives birth by herself in the woods, or what we call in America, affordable healthcare.”
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While O'Brien managed to keep the tone light and the mood high, he did take a moment to be sincere and point out the role the Oscars can play: “Everyone watching right now, around the world, is all too aware that these are very chaotic, frightening times. It’s at moments like these that I believe that the Oscars are particularly resonant – 31 countries across six continents are represented this evening, and every film we salute is the product of thousands of people speaking different languages, working hard to make something of beauty."
He continued: "We pay tribute tonight, not just to film, but to the ideals of global artistry, collaboration, patience, resilience and that rarest of qualities today – optimism. So let us celebrate not because we think all is well but because we work and hope for better.”
Other Oscars news:
Winners in the top categories at the 98th Academy Awards
Best Picture: 'One Battle After Another'
Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson, 'One Battle After Another'
Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan, 'Sinners'
Best Actress: Jessie Buckley, 'Hamnet'
Best Supporting Actor: Sean Penn, 'One Battle After Another'
Best Supporting Actress: Amy Madigan, 'Weapons'
See the full list of winners here.
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Image: AP Photo/Chris Pizzello