Conan O’Brien made a splash with his lively Oscars opening monologue, taking aim at some of Hollywood’s biggest names. The host didn’t hold back, poking fun at Timothée Chalamet’s recent controversial comments about ballet and opera. O’Brien joked about heightened security concerns, quipping, “There’s concerns about attacks from the ballet and opera communities,” and playfully ribbing Chalamet for leaving out jazz.
The comedian also couldn’t resist a political jab, teasing the audience that the night could get political and offering an alternative Oscars hosted by Kid Rock at a nearby Dave & Buster’s. O’Brien didn’t spare Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos either, humorously portraying him as a newbie to the theater experience, questioning why people were enjoying themselves instead of staying home where he could monetize their viewing habits.
However, O’Brien closed the monologue on a more serious note, acknowledging the chaotic and frightening times we live in. He emphasized the international reach of the Oscars, highlighting the collaborative efforts of artists from around the world and the optimism and resilience that filmmaking represents. The host urged viewers to celebrate not because everything is perfect, but because we strive for a better future.
The show kicked off with a pre-taped segment featuring O’Brien as Amy Madigan’s Aunt Gladys from “Weapons,” followed by a live stunt involving killer kids chasing a stuntman into the Dolby Theatre, where O’Brien emerged in a dapper tuxedo. This marks O’Brien’s return as host after his successful debut last year.
In the lead-up to the ceremony, O’Brien discussed the challenges of writing a monologue in a rapidly changing news cycle on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” He highlighted the need to stay current with evolving events and joked about jokes becoming outdated within days due to the fast-paced nature of current affairs.
The full opening monologue can be viewed below, capturing O’Brien’s blend of humor and sincerity as he sets the tone for the star-studded evening.
