Conan O’Brien Creates Buzz With Unexpected Jokes During Oscars Night
Conan O’Brien brought his trademark blend of self-deprecating humor and sharp social commentary to the 98th Academy Awards, serving as the master of ceremonies for the second time.
The veteran comedian kicked off the night with a high-energy montage that saw him inserted into several of the year’s biggest films, including a comedic turn dressed as Amy Madigan’s character from Weapons.
Once he took the stage at the Dolby Theatre, he quickly addressed the rapidly changing landscape of the entertainment industry with a nod toward the rise of artificial intelligence.
Conan O’Brien and Liza Powel O’Brien walk the red carpet at the #Oscars.
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I am Conan O’Brien, and I am honored to be the last human host of the Academy Awards, he joked to the star-studded audience. Next year, it’s going to be a Waymo in a tux. The monologue didn’t shy away from topical tension, touching on everything from heightened security measures to the current state of global politics.
O’Brien managed to keep the room laughing even while referencing the “frightening times” facing the international community, ultimately pivoting to a sincere message about the power of cinema to unite people across borders.
The host also took several playful jabs at the celebrities in attendance, most notably Timothée Chalamet. Referring to the actor’s past comments regarding the commercial viability of traditional art forms, O’Brien teased that the night’s extra security was actually there to protect Chalamet from the “opera and ballet communities.”
They’re just mad you left out jazz, O’Brien quipped as the Marty Supreme star laughed along from the front row. Streaming giants and major corporations were also in the crosshairs, with O’Brien poking fun at Netflix chief Ted Sarandos for attending a physical movie theater.
He also questioned why major retailers like Amazon and Walmart weren’t racking up more trophies for their delivery services. Why isn’t the website I order toilet paper from winning more Oscars?! he asked, highlighting the odd intersection of tech conglomerates and prestige filmmaking that has come to define the modern awards season.
Conan O’Brien has remained a beloved figure in American comedy since wrapping up his long-running late-night career, transitioning into the world of podcasting with his hit series Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend.
Recently, he has been traveling the globe for his Max travelogue series, Conan O’Brien Must Go, which has earned critical acclaim for its fish-out-of-water humor. He is also reportedly developing a new scripted comedy project for a major streaming platform, though details remain under wraps.
The Oscars featured a diverse array of winners, including Amy Madigan, who took home Best Supporting Actress for her work in the intense drama Weapons. The film, directed by Zach Cregger, has been one of the year’s most discussed projects, starring an ensemble that includes Pedro Pascal and Renate Reinsve.
Other major highlights of the evening included a moving tribute to the late director Rob Reiner. Looking forward, many of the night’s nominees already have major projects on the horizon. presenters like Robert Downey Jr. and Anne Hathaway are attached to several high-profile summer blockbusters.
As Hollywood settles into the post-awards season glow, the focus shifts to the upcoming festivals at Cannes and Venice, where the next crop of contenders will likely emerge. The broadcast reached millions of viewers across 31 countries, reinforcing O’Brien’s closing sentiment about the resilience of global artistry.
We pay tribute tonight, not just to film, but to the ideals of global artistry, collaboration, patience, resilience, and that rarest of qualities today – optimism, he noted before concluding his set.
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