Conan O’Brien Kicks Off 2026 Oscars with Jokes About AI and Timothée Chalamet

Key Takeaways

Conan O’Brien humorously opened the 98th Academy Awards, referencing AI and Timothée Chalamet.
This marks O’Brien’s second consecutive year hosting, following a successful debut last year.
O’Brien’s hosting brings stability to the Oscars, which faced uncertainty in previous years regarding the host role.

O’Brien’s Oscars Humor and Stability

Conan O’Brien kicked off the 98th Academy Awards with lighthearted humor, playfully stating, “I am Conan O’Brien and I am honored to be the last human host of the Academy Awards.” This remark was delivered during his opening monologue at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, where he joked about the possibility of a self-driving car hosting next year.

O’Brien’s comedic flair was evident as he addressed heightened security concerns, quipping about potential threats from the opera and ballet communities. His humor struck a chord with the audience, especially when he mentioned Timothée Chalamet in relation to the cultural discourse surrounding the awards. Chalamet, a best actor nominee, was seen laughing during O’Brien’s jokes.

In a pre-recorded segment, O’Brien donned the makeup of a character from “Weapons,” humorously showcasing a humorous chase by children, referencing a previous best supporting actress win at the Oscars. He was animated into clips of major nominees, engaging in playful skits, including playing table tennis against Chalamet.

After his successful debut last year, O’Brien returned to host this year’s ceremony with a sense of preparedness and comfort, having spent the previous year in more stable circumstances. His ability to inject humor and personality into the Oscars has been well-received, potentially bringing a much-needed sense of consistency to a role often marred by uncertainty.

The Academy Awards experienced a period of transition in the hosting role, with years lacking a host and ABC investing in various choices for the event. O’Brien’s return suggests a commitment to elevating the ceremony’s experience amid discussions about the future format, which may include a shift to online platforms such as YouTube. O’Brien’s tenure as host seems poised to provide a reliable and entertaining approach to the Oscars in the coming years.

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