Conan O’Brien’s Oscars Monologue Roasts Chalamet, AI, and Netflix

Conan O’Brien delivered a spirited opening monologue at the 98th Academy Awards on Sunday, March 15, 2026, taking aim at Hollywood figures and current industry trends. The ceremony, broadcast on ABC and Hulu, saw O’Brien poke fun at Timothée Chalamet, the rise of artificial intelligence, and Netflix’s Ted Sarandos.

Aunt Gladys Returns

O’Brien began his hosting duties with a pre-recorded segment featuring a character inspired by Aunt Gladys from the horror film “Weapons.” He joked about being “the last human host of the Academy Awards,” predicting a robot, specifically a Waymo, would host in 2027. Mashable reported on the opening segment.

Chalamet and the Arts

A significant portion of O’Brien’s monologue centered around Timothée Chalamet, referencing the recent online discussion sparked by the actor’s comments about ballet and opera. O’Brien quipped that security was heightened at the Oscars due to “concerns about attacks from both the opera and ballet communities,” eliciting laughter from the audience, including Chalamet himself. Variety highlighted this exchange.

AI and Netflix in the Spotlight

O’Brien also addressed the growing presence of artificial intelligence in Hollywood, and playfully criticized Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos. He imitated Sarandos, questioning why anyone would enjoy a movie theater experience when they could be at home, allowing Netflix to “monetize it.” Variety detailed this portion of the monologue.

A Smooth Return to Hosting

This marked O’Brien’s second time hosting the Academy Awards, following a well-received debut last year. He was quickly rehired, having had almost a year to prepare for the 2026 ceremony, a contrast to the rushed circumstances of his previous hosting role due to wildfires. Variety noted O’Brien’s comfortable preparation this year.

Oscars Transition to YouTube

O’Brien acknowledged the upcoming move of the Oscars to YouTube in 2029, playfully interrupted by an overly enthusiastic YouTube-style advertisement during his monologue. Variety reported on this moment.

Conan O’Brien’s monologue was well-received, providing a mix of humor and commentary on the current state of Hollywood. YouTube provides access to the full monologue.