O’Brien opened the event with a monologue that mixed commentary on Hollywood humour, industry satire & current events
Conan O’Brien opened the 2026 Academy Awards with a monologue that mixed Hollywood humour, industry satire and commentary on current events, targeting several high-profile figures including Timothée Chalamet and Netflix chief Ted Sarandos.
The host began by referencing online backlash to Chalamet’s recent remarks about ballet and opera, drawing laughter from the audience as cameras cut to the Marty Supreme actor smiling in the crowd. “Security is very tight tonight,” O’Brien quipped. “There’s concerns about attacks from the ballet and opera communities.” He then addressed Chalamet directly, adding: “They’re just mad you left out jazz.”
O’Brien continued the monologue with a series of jokes aimed at Hollywood and the wider entertainment industry. Turning his attention to Netflix co-chief executive Sarandos, he joked about the streaming giant’s relationship with cinema audiences. “Why are they all together enjoying themselves? They should be home alone, where I can monetize it,” O’Brien-as-Sarandos said.
The host also made light of potential political tension during the ceremony. “I should warn you: Tonight could get political. Okay? And if that makes you uncomfortable, there’s an alternate Oscars being hosted by Kid Rock. It’s at the Dave & Buster’s down the street.”
The monologue followed a pre-taped comedy segment that opened the broadcast, in which O’Brien appeared in heavy make-up portraying Amy Madigan’s Aunt Gladys from Weapons. The sketch showed him interrupting scenes from several Best Picture nominees while being chased by the film’s killer children. The sequence then transitioned to a live moment inside the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, where children pursued a stunt performer onto the stage before O’Brien appeared in a tuxedo.
Concluding the monologue, O’Brien adopted a more reflective tone about the global reach of cinema. “Tonight is an international event. If I can be serious for just a moment, 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 The Oscars are particularly resonant.”
