At the star-studded 98th Academy Awards ceremony held on Sunday, March 15, Conan O’Brien took center stage with a witty and pointed opening monologue that immediately set the tone for the evening. Known for his sharp comedic timing and ability to tackle current events with humor, O’Brien did not hold back as he playfully addressed a range of topics, from heightened security measures to recent controversies swirling around Hollywood’s elite.
Opening with a tongue-in-cheek remark about the tight security at the Dolby Theatre, O’Brien quipped about the unusual nature of the threats, joking that the ballet and opera communities were reportedly upset, presumably due to their exclusion from the event’s musical categories. He cleverly added that jazz fans were also feeling left out, delivering one of the night’s most memorable lines. This joke resonated strongly, especially considering the intense scrutiny actor Timothée Chalamet faced earlier in the year for his comments, which had sparked widespread discussion across the entertainment industry.
Moving beyond the artistic jabs, O’Brien shifted his focus to the increasingly fraught relationship between Hollywood and the political landscape. He warned the audience that the atmosphere could become uncomfortable, hinting at the tensions that have been simmering between the film community and political discourse. To lighten the mood, he humorously suggested an alternative Oscars event hosted by musician Kid Rock, set to take place at a nearby Dave & Buster’s, offering a tongue-in-cheek escape from the formalities of the main ceremony.
O’Brien’s monologue also took aim at Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos, highlighting the ongoing debate about streaming services versus traditional cinema experiences. Portraying Sarandos in a comedic impersonation, O’Brien joked about the irony of a streaming executive sitting in a movie theater, bewildered by an audience enjoying a film together in a communal setting. The line underscored the tension between the evolving modes of film consumption and the traditional theatrical experience cherished by many in Hollywood.
Before the monologue, the show featured a creatively pre-recorded cold open where O’Brien transformed into Amy Madigan’s character Aunt Gladys from the horror film Weapons. In this sequence, he humorously interrupted scenes from the year’s Best Picture nominees while being pursued by the film’s killer children, blending horror and comedy in a unique way. The sketch culminated with a stuntman chased live into the Dolby Theatre, from which O’Brien emerged flawlessly dressed in a tuxedo, ready to host the evening with his signature poise.
This marked O’Brien’s second consecutive year as the Oscars host, and his confident performance suggested he is growing increasingly comfortable in the role. His ability to balance humor with pointed commentary on industry issues helped set a lively and engaging tone for the prestigious awards night, reaffirming his place as a skilled and insightful master of ceremonies.
