Conan O'Brien Hosts Oscars 2026, Addresses Chalamet Controversy and Industry Topics

At the 98th Academy Awards, host Conan O'Brien returned for his second consecutive year, delivering a sharp, humorous opening monologue that addressed current controversies and Hollywood topics. He playfully roasted Best Actor nominee Timothée Chalamet over his recent remarks on ballet and opera, eliciting laughter from the audience and Chalamet himself. O'Brien also joked about artificial intelligence potentially replacing human hosts, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos's presence, and referenced the Epstein files and geopolitical tensions. The ceremony included a pre-recorded comedic sketch featuring O'Brien as Aunt Gladys, blending satire with heartfelt tributes to global cinema.