Leonardo Dicaprio Becomes a Meme Sensation During Oscars 2026 Ceremony

Conan O’Brien made a triumphant return to the Dolby Theatre on March 15, marking his second consecutive year as host of the Academy Awards. The 62-year-old comedian kicked off the 98th ceremony with a high-energy, pre-recorded opening sketch that saw him transformed into Aunt Gladys, the character played by Amy Madigan in the horror film Weapons.

In the bit, a made-up O’Brien was pursued by the film’s eerie children, eventually weaving through the sets of other top nominees, including a juke joint from Sinners and a Shakespearean stage from Hamnet.

Once he hit the live stage, O’Brien didn’t hold back, diving straight into the biggest talking points of the industry. He began with a self-deprecating quip, I am Conan O’Brien, and I am honored to be the last human host of the Academy Awards, he teased, before adding, Next year it’s going to be a Waymo in a tux.

He also took a pointed, lighthearted jab at Timothée Chalamet, whose recent comments about the relevance of opera and ballet had caused a stir. I hear there are concerns about attacks from both the opera and ballet communities, O’Brien joked, prompting a good-natured laugh from Chalamet in the audience.

In a moment fans won’t forget anytime soon, O’Brien added to Leonardo DiCaprio’s growing library of viral internet moments. A new clip showing a mustachioed DiCaprio looking confused with the caption “TFW You Didn’t Agree to This” is set to join his legendary Gatsby toast and the famous smug, drink-in-hand smirk from Django Unchained.

Conan O’Brien makes a new Leonardo DiCaprio meme #Oscars pic.twitter.com/OX62X798Mx

— Deadline (@DEADLINE) March 15, 2026

The monologue also balanced humor with a touch of gravity, as O’Brien acknowledged the complicated global climate while emphasizing the unifying power of film. 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 told the crowd.

So let us celebrate not because we think all is well, but because we work and hope for better. His performance—a mix of sharp industry roasts and genuine reverence—cemented his status as a reliable anchor for the telecast.

O’Brien, a seasoned veteran of late-night television and a former writer for Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons, has found a second act in his career as a globally recognized podcaster and traveler.

His travel series, Conan O’Brien Must Go, has been a significant success for Max, earning him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series in 2025. In early 2025, he was also honored with the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, recognizing his lifelong impact on comedy.

Outside of his hosting duties, O’Brien continues to engage millions of listeners weekly with his popular podcast, Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend. His creative output remains focused on independent production through his company, Conaco, which allows him to explore unconventional formats.

The ceremony itself saw a historic night, with Ryan Coogler’s vampire drama Sinners entering with a record 16 nominations and leaving with four wins, including a Best Actor Oscar for Michael B. Jordan. Meanwhile, Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another secured the night’s top prize, Best Picture, among its six total wins.

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