Conan O'Brien Kicks Off 2026 Oscars with Aunt Gladys Skit and Jabs at AI, Chalamet

The veteran comedian and former talk show host returned as host for the second straight year, taking shots at the Oscars' move to YouTube and the controversy surrounding Timothée Chalamet's comments on the arts.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 4:03am

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Conan O'Brien opened the 2026 Academy Awards ceremony with a comedic turn as the character Aunt Gladys from the film "Weapons," complete with caked-on makeup and a bright red wig. The veteran comedian and former talk show host, who was hosting the Oscars for the second straight year, also took jabs at artificial intelligence, the Oscars' upcoming move to YouTube, and actor Timothée Chalamet's controversial comments about the relevance of opera and ballet.

Why it matters

O'Brien's return as Oscars host provided some much-needed stability to the often-thankless role, which had seen a three-year stretch without a host from 2019-2021. His comedic opening skit and pointed barbs at industry figures and trends were well-received by the audience, suggesting he may be poised to continue in the hosting role for the foreseeable future as the Oscars navigate changes like their move to YouTube.

The details

In his opening monologue, O'Brien joked that he was "the last human host of the Academy Awards" and that "next year it's going to be a Waymo in a tux." He also took aim at Netflix chief Ted Sarandos, mocking his company's failed attempt to buy Warner Bros. and saying "It's his first time in a theater!" The host also incorporated a fantasy sequence featuring singer Josh Groban serenading him, as well as animated segments that inserted O'Brien into clips from major Oscar-nominated films.

  • The 2026 Academy Awards ceremony took place on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
  • O'Brien hosted the Oscars for the second straight year, after previously hosting in 2025.

The players

Conan O'Brien

A veteran comedian and former longtime talk show host who returned to host the 2026 Academy Awards ceremony for the second straight year.

Timothée Chalamet

An actor who was a best actor nominee at the 2026 Oscars, and whose disparaging comments about the relevance of opera and ballet during the awards season became a topic of cultural discourse.

Ted Sarandos

The chief executive officer of Netflix, whose company nearly bought Warner Bros. before backing out, drawing a jab from O'Brien during his opening monologue.

Josh Groban

A singer who appeared in a fantasy sequence during O'Brien's opening, serenading the host in knightly garb.

Amy Madigan

An actress whose character Aunt Gladys from the film "Weapons" was the inspiration for O'Brien's opening skit, in which he appeared in full costume and makeup.

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What they’re saying

“I hear there are concerns about attacks from both the opera and ballet communities.”

— Conan O'Brien, Host

“It's his first time in a theater! What are they all doing enjoying themselves?! They should be home where I can monetize it!”

— Conan O'Brien, Host

“He did this himself, and he's grateful to none.”

— Josh Groban, Singer

What’s next

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will need to decide if they want to retain Conan O'Brien as the permanent host of the Oscars going forward, as the comedian has suggested he is willing to continue in the role indefinitely.

The takeaway

Conan O'Brien's successful return as Oscars host, complete with his signature comedic flair and willingness to poke fun at industry figures and trends, suggests he has become a stabilizing force for the often-turbulent awards show. His hosting gig may continue for years to come as the Oscars navigate changes like their upcoming move to the YouTube platform.