Conan O’Brien roasted Hollywood at the 2026 Oscars — here are his most savage jokes
The Oscars are the biggest celebration in the industry, with a room full of celebrities nervously waiting for the winner and to see who gets roasted first.
Hollywood’s biggest night always comes with its share of memorable moments. With emotional speeches and unexpected surprises, the Oscars tend to deliver plenty for audiences to talk about. While the night was ultimately about honoring the best in filmmaking, the ceremony opened with one of its most entertaining traditions: the host’s monologue.
The Academy Awards, better known as the Oscars, have been honoring achievements in filmmaking since 1929. Presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the ceremony recognizes excellence across acting, directing, writing, and technical categories, and remains one of the most prestigious awards in the film industry.
At the 2026 ceremony, several major names took home awards, including Michael B. Jordan, whose win was one of the night’s standout moments. Films like Hamnet also earned significant recognition, highlighting a competitive year for cinema.
Conan O’Brien took the stage as host of the 2026 Oscars and wasted no time reminding the audience why he’s long been one of comedy’s sharpest voices. Known for his ability to interview guests live on air while being quick-witted and clever, he opened with a rapid-fire series of roasts aimed at Hollywood, pop culture, and even the awards themselves.
Right out of the gate, O’Brien poked fun at the ongoing debate around artificial intelligence in entertainment. Introducing himself to the crowd, he joked, “I am Conan O’Brien, and I’m honored to be the last human host of the Academy Awards.” The line drew immediate laughter and set the tone for a monologue that leaned heavily into playful but pointed jabs.
From there, O’Brien shifted to commentary about security at the ceremony. He quipped that the night was being closely monitored, adding, “There are concerns from both the opera and ballet communities.” The camera quickly cut to Timothée Chalamet in the audience, a reference to the actor’s recent controversy over comments critical of both art forms.
As the crowd settled in, O’Brien warned that the evening might veer into political territory. “I should warn you that tonight could get political. If that makes you uncomfortable, there’s an alternative Oscars being hosted by Kid Rock. It’s at the Dave & Busters down the street.” The remark appeared to reference Kid Rock’s widely discussed alternate Super Bowl halftime performance earlier this year, drawing another wave of laughter from the audience.
O’Brien also turned his attention to some of the year’s biggest films, including Hamnet. While discussing the film’s opening explanation about historical name spellings, he joked, “At the beginning of Hamnet, a message comes on the screen explaining that the names Hamnet and Hamlet were used interchangeably. That’s when I knew I’d better buckle up.”
He then referenced a dramatic scene in which Hamlet’s wife gives birth alone in the woods, delivering one of the more biting lines of the night. “Or as we call that in America, affordable healthcare.” The joke prompted a mix of laughs and murmurs from the crowd, touching on a topic that remains a frequent source of debate in the United States.
The Oscars also introduced a brand-new category this year for casting directors, something O’Brien couldn’t resist commenting on. “One casting director will win an Oscar, and for the rest of you, we’ve decided to go in another direction.” He followed the line by jokingly referring to casting directors as “dream killers” before moving on.
The comedian took a moment to note that Amazon Studios did not receive any nominations this year. “Also shut out: Walmart, Ali Baba, and Chewy.” He then questioned how the website he orders toilet paper from isn’t winning more Oscars.
Throughout the monologue, O’Brien mixed pop-culture commentary with his signature dry delivery, keeping the audience laughing, and sometimes groaning, about the jokes that were coming out of his mouth.
The reactions
The internet was quick to highlight some of the standout jokes and comments. One person said, “He knew they wouldn’t laugh but he also knew literally everyone else at home would enjoy this monologue so much!!”
Another wrote, “Conan is the only reason I’m here! Love you Conan!!!” This person said, “Audience proving we don’t deserve Conan. Conan proving he doesn’t care.”
Someone else noticed his ease onstage. “Masterful monologue. He makes it look so easy. Hats-off.”
Several noticed the lack of laughter at times. One person wrote, “Monologue was solid, that room was ICE COLD, giving him no love.”
Why this matters
The Oscars remain one of the most visible events in the entertainment industry, shaping conversations about which films, performances, and stories defined the past year. Millions of viewers tune in not only to see who wins, but also to catch the moments that will dominate headlines and social media the next day.
Opening monologues, in particular, have become a defining part of the ceremony. They often set the tone for the entire night, giving hosts a chance to reflect on Hollywood’s biggest trends, controversies, and cultural moments through humor.
In many ways, those jokes help frame how the industry sees itself. A well-timed roast can highlight shifting priorities in filmmaking, poke fun at the business side of Hollywood, and remind audiences that even the biggest stars aren’t immune to a little good-natured criticism.
