Conan O’Brien Shines in His Second Oscar Hosting Stint
On the night of March 15, 2026, the Dolby Theatre was buzzing with excitement as the 98th Academy Awards commenced, broadcast live on ABC. Returning for his second consecutive year, host Conan O’Brien infused the Oscars with his unique blend of humor, starting the ceremony on a high note.
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O’Brien’s opening act was a pre-recorded skit where he humorously dressed up as Aunt Gladys from the movie “Weapons,” claiming he looked like “Bette Davis with lupus.” The skit cleverly parodied other notable films of the year, such as “Marty Supreme” and “Hamnet,” with a soundtrack by the Beastie Boys adding to the energetic vibe. The sketch concluded with O’Brien, still in character, bringing chaos to the red carpet and into the Oscars venue.
A Mix of Humor and Commentary
During the live event, Conan kept the audience engaged with his quick wit, joking about being the “last human host” before robots take over, and poking fun at the heightened security due to fictional threats from the opera and ballet communities. He even made a quip about an “alternate Oscars hosted by Kid Rock” for anyone uncomfortable with potential political undertones.
The host didn’t shy away from topical humor either, playfully commenting on Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos’ rare appearance in a movie theater, and delivering a memorable joke about Amazon’s lack of Oscar nominations, questioning why a site where he buys toilet paper wasn’t receiving accolades.
O’Brien’s approach to the ceremony was a delicate balance of acknowledging the serious undertones of the current global climate while keeping the spirit light and celebratory. He expressed a desire to maintain optimism amidst chaos, a sentiment echoed in his jokes that walked a fine line between humor and sensitivity.
Behind the Scenes and Expectations
Raj Kapoor, the executive producer and showrunner for the Oscars, hinted at a night full of surprises. He praised Conan’s creativity and promised that the audience could expect ongoing entertainment throughout the evening. Indeed, O’Brien did not disappoint, with his comedic bits seamlessly weaving into the program and keeping the audience on their toes.
The anticipation for O’Brien’s performance was high, especially after his debut last year, where he humorously tackled various topics, including a nod to Amazon’s acquisition of James Bond. This year, however, he aimed for a slightly more restrained approach, balancing entertainment with a nod to current events, a strategy he discussed during the Oscars press conference.
The ceremony not only celebrated cinematic achievements but also showcased O’Brien’s adeptness at handling the prestigious hosting gig with a flair that was both entertaining and thought-provoking. As the evening wrapped up, the Oscars left viewers with memorable moments of laughter, courtesy of Conan O’Brien’s masterful hosting.
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Claude Merritt explores the world of entertainment with a keen eye. From music to film, TV series, and popular culture, he covers celebrity news and American cultural trends with a lively and critical approach.






