Oscars 2026: Conan O’Brien Takes the Stage with Wit and Controversy

During the commencement of this year’s Academy Awards, host Conan O’Brien wasted no time in delivering a sharp critique of President Donald Trump, setting a bold tone for the evening.

The Oscars represent a distinguished set of yearly accolades presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) to “honor excellence in the film industry.” Since their inception in 1927, these prestigious awards have been dedicated to recognizing “superior feats across diverse categories, such as Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Actress.”

Following the inaugural gala in 1929, the ceremony has transformed into a global television phenomenon followed by millions of viewers. For the 2026 edition, the Emmy-winning television personality, writer, and comedian Conan O’Brien took the helm as the evening’s host.

“I’m feeling relaxed because we’ve been putting in significant effort. We have a lot of entertaining concepts in store,” O’Brien shared during a Thursday interview with Lara Spencer on ABC News’ Good Morning America.

He further remarked: “That’s not to say a multitude of things won’t falter or veer off course before the broadcast, but that’s part of the excitement,” characterizing the preparation as “a constant struggle right until the moment the Oscars begin.”

Academy Awards 2026

Renowned for his biting wit, the host immediately challenged the audience by mocking the former Prince Andrew—now referred to as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor—and the Epstein scandal, signaling that Hollywood’s premiere night would not avoid provocative topics.

However, Andrew was not the only prominent individual in the crosshairs. O’Brien also satirized Donald Trump, specifically referencing the president’s recent move to rename Washington’s Kennedy Center after himself.

Following the announcement of the Best Supporting Actress and a brief commercial hiatus, the host delivered a stinging remark: “We are broadcasting live from the ‘has a small penis theater’—let’s see him try to put his name on the front of that.”

Observers are now waiting to see if Trump, likely tuned in from his Florida estate, will offer a rebuttal. Regardless of the reaction, the evening proved once again that the Oscars are never devoid of a touch of drama.