AceShowbiz - Conan O'Brien launched the 2026 Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday, March 15, with a lively and inventive opening monologue that highlighted this year’s nominated films while blending humor, pop culture, and a touch of seriousness.

The comedian began his routine by embodying the character Aunt Gladys from Amy Madigan’s movie Weapons, playfully inserting himself into key scenes from acclaimed films such as Sinners, Marty Supreme, F1, One Battle After Another, and Hamnet. The sequence featured him being chased by a group of children, culminating in his arrival at the Oscars stage where he quickly shed his costume and makeup to dive into the night's events.

His first comedic target was Best Actor nominee Timothée Chalamet, who had recently stirred conversation with his outspoken views on the ballet and opera worlds. O'Brien quipped that critics were simply upset Chalamet had omitted jazz from his commentary. This bit segued into a humorous self-award acceptance where O'Brien imagined receiving an Oscar for Best Achievement. To top it off, he enlisted singer Josh Groban to perform an operatic anthem as part of his pretend acceptance speech, standing atop a scenic mountain set that added grandeur to the moment.

Balancing sharp humor with insightful observations, O'Brien addressed both the entertainment industry and broader cultural issues. Noting the absence of British actors in this year’s Best Actor and Best Actress categories for the first time since 2012, he included a pointed political joke referencing a British spokesperson’s controversial remark. Throughout his monologue, he also referenced nominees like Michael B. Jordan and Leonardo DiCaprio, as well as the notable absence of Amazon Studios from the nominations.

Amid the jokes, O'Brien took a moment to emphasize the global nature of the Academy Awards. “Tonight is an international event,” he stated earnestly. He acknowledged the challenging and “chaotic” world viewers are living in, underscoring how the Oscars serve as a symbol of resilience and collaboration. The ceremony features films representing 31 countries across six continents, embodying the efforts of thousands of people from varying backgrounds and languages.

O'Brien praised the ideals that cinema represents—global artistry, cooperation, patience, and optimism—qualities he described as increasingly rare but vital today. He urged the audience to celebrate not only the achievements showcased but the hope for better days ahead, framing the Oscars as a beacon of unity and creative spirit in uncertain times.

This marks O'Brien’s return as Oscars host following widespread acclaim for his debut in 2025. The ceremony also marked his first time hosting an awards show since the Emmys in 2002 and 2006. At that time, critics like Rolling Stone’s Rob Sheffield praised O'Brien for his relaxed, carefree approach, which brought a fresh and entertaining vibe to the traditionally formal event.

In a recent conversation with Good Morning America, O'Brien shared insights into his preparation for the 2026 Oscars. He revealed that he tested his monologue material during surprise stand-up sets in a variety of unexpected venues, including comedy clubs, bowling alleys, and even car rental locations. This unconventional approach allowed him to gauge audience reactions and refine his performance.

O'Brien also expressed admiration for the year’s nominees, describing them as “spectacular” and diverse in their storytelling styles. He highlighted films such as Sinners, One Battle After Another, Marty Supreme, and Bugonia as standout works, emphasizing the broad range of talent and narratives being celebrated at this year’s ceremony. His enthusiasm for the nominees provided a warm contrast to the satirical tone of much of the evening’s humor.

Overall, Conan O'Brien delivered an opening that was both entertaining and meaningful, blending sharp wit with thoughtful acknowledgment of the cultural and international significance of the Oscars. His monologue set an engaging tone for the night, reinforcing the ceremony’s role as a global celebration of cinema and human creativity.