A chaotic comedy sketch with killer kids kicked off the ceremony before the host walked on stage in a tux. The jokes quickly turned sharp, with playful digs at actors, musicians and streaming giants.
Image Source: Academy Awards
The jokes started flying the moment the lights came on at the Academy Awards, and host Conan O’Brien wasted no time poking fun at some of Hollywood’s biggest names. His opening monologue on March 16 set the tone for a night that was cheeky, playful and just a little bit savage.
Here’s how the comedian turned Hollywood’s biggest night into his personal comedy playground.
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Before he even walked onto the stage, O’Brien had already started the comedy.
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The show kicked off with a pre-taped skit where he appeared in heavy makeup as Aunt Gladys, a character from the film ‘Weapons’, played by Amy Madigan. In the clip, O’Brien hilariously interrupted scenes from several Best Picture nominees while being chased by the movie’s creepy killer kids.
The scene suddenly switched to a live moment inside the famous Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. A group of kids ran into the theatre chasing a stuntman, and seconds later, O’Brien walked out on stage looking perfectly polished in a tuxedo.
O’Brien then turned his attention to one of the most talked-about actors of the night: Timothée Chalamet.
The comedian referenced the recent online controversy sparked by Chalamet’s comments about ballet and opera. Those remarks had drawn criticism from people in the performing arts world.
So naturally, O’Brien had a punchline ready.
“Security is very tight tonight,” he joked. “There’s concerns about attacks from the ballet and opera communities.”
Then he looked directly toward Chalamet in the audience and added another line.
“They’re just mad you left out jazz.”
The host also teased that the ceremony could turn political.
But instead of delivering a serious speech, he twisted the idea into another joke.
“I should warn you tonight could get political,” O’Brien told the audience. “And if that makes you uncomfortable, there’s an alternate Oscars being hosted by Kid Rock.”
Then came the punchline.
“It’s at the Dave & Buster’s down the street.”
O’Brien didn’t stop with actors and musicians. Streaming giant executives were also fair game.
The host took a playful jab at Ted Sarandos, joking that the ceremony might actually be the executive’s first visit to a real movie theatre.
In a mock impression of Sarandos, O’Brien joked: “Why are they all together enjoying themselves? They should be home alone, where I can monetize it.”
This year marked O’Brien’s return to hosting duties after taking the job for the first time last year. The 2026 ceremony was the 98th Academy Awards, held again at the Dolby Theatre.
And while the monologue looked effortless on stage, O’Brien had already revealed that writing jokes for the Oscars is actually very tricky.
In the days before the ceremony, O’Brien appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and explained how fast the world moves while writers are preparing the script.
He said the team started working on the monologue in late December and early January. But by the time the Oscars arrive, many jokes can already feel outdated.
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