Oscars host Conan O'Brien makes Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet cringe during epic opening monologue
Oscars host Conan O'Brien delivered a blistering opening monologue at the 2026 Oscars, taking aim at some of the award attendees and referencing the United States' volatile political landscape.
As expected, Best Actor hopeful Timothée Chalamet was not spared following his controversial comments about opera and ballet, with O'Brien taking aim at the Marty Supreme star.
"Security is extremely tight tonight," O'Brien said. "I'm told there are concerns about attacks from both the opera and ballet communities."
Graphic: Tara Blancato
Host Conan O'Brien delivers his opening monologue at the Oscars ceremony on March 15, 2026. Getty
The camera then panned to Chalamet, who chuckled good naturedly from his seat in the audience beside girlfriend Kylie Jenner as O'Brien addressed him directly and added, "They're just mad you left out jazz".
O'Brien then fired the first political salvo of the night.
"I should warn you tonight could get political. Okay?" he said.
"And if that makes you uncomfortable, there's an alternate Oscars being hosted by Kid Rock," – a reference to the alternative halftime show that was held during the Super Bowl as a protest to Bad Bunny's halftime show performance, which was delivered in Spanish.
READ MORE: Oscars after-party chef reveals what stars will eat
READ MORE: Director weighs in on Timothée Chalamet comments
READ MORE: Inside the incredible $500,000 Oscars goodie bags
Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner enjoy a laugh at his expense at the Oscars. Getty
O'Brien also honed in on Leonardo DiCaprio, quipping that he was the subject of more memes than any other actor and he planned to make him the subject of a new one that night.
And he did. Expect the below to be seen by millions tomorrow.
This meme will be everywhere by tomorrow. Seven
O'Brien also welcomed Netflix chief exective Ted Sarandos to the Oscars, and said it was also his "first time in a theatre" before attempting to read his mind.
"Why are they all together enjoying themselves? They should be home alone, where I can monetise it," he said.
It is the second time O'Brien has hosted the Oscars. He took over from Jimmy Fallon in 2025.
FOLLOW US ON WHATSAPP HERE: Stay across all the latest in celebrity, lifestyle and opinion via our WhatsApp channel. No comments, no algorithm and nobody can see your private details.
Most viewed in Celebrity
Country music star admits she was drunk during a concert she should have cancelled
Ally Langdon breaks down as she opens up about death of best friend Gavin Larkin
All the celebrity performances at the NFL Melbourne game – including the halftime show that almost didn’t happen
All the celebrities spotted at the historic first NFL match in Australia
