Conan O’Brien wasted no time setting the tone at the 2026 Oscars, opening the show with a mix of physical comedy and sharp one-liners that immediately got the room buzzing. But it was one subtle jab at Timothée Chalamet that ended up stealing the spotlight, drawing both laughter and raised eyebrows from the audience.
The moment came during O’Brien’s monologue, where he slipped in a deadpan reference to Chalamet’s recent comments about opera and ballet. The joke was quick and understated, but it landed, especially given the ongoing chatter around the actor. Cameras caught reactions in real time, adding to the buzz as viewers picked up on the layered humor.
Before the monologue, O’Brien kicked things off with a pre-taped segment that leaned heavily into his signature physical comedy. Parodying an action-style chase sequence, he sprinted through chaotic scenes set to high-energy music, delivering a throwback to the kind of absurd, self-aware humor that has long defined his style.
Throughout the opening, O’Brien mixed playful industry jokes with edgier lines that pushed the room just enough without losing it. Some bits drew big laughs, while others landed more quietly, but the pacing kept the audience engaged. Even when a joke didn’t fully connect, the momentum of the set carried through.
The Chalamet moment, however, stood out because of how precisely it walked the line. It acknowledged a trending controversy without turning it into a full takedown, a balance that can be difficult on a stage as visible as the Oscars. That restraint may be exactly why it resonated.
By the end of the opening, O’Brien had done what few hosts manage cleanly, commanding attention without overshadowing the night itself. And in a show built on moments, it was a single, well-placed joke that ended up driving much of the conversation afterward.
