Conan O’Brien Understood the Assignment

When Conan O’Brien walked onto the Oscars stage, he instantly seemed at home. With a self-deprecating humor, he playfully told the audience to sit down, even though everyone was already seated. Spotting Demi Moore in the crowd, he greeted her with a cheerful smile after showing a funny pre-recorded clip where he humorously emerged from her back as a nod to her film in the Best Picture-nominated horror movie The Substance. He confidently joked, “I’m walking to show I have control of the stage.”

O’Brien displayed impressive control throughout the ceremony. Although it was his first time hosting the Oscars, he felt like a seasoned pro thanks to his three decades in late-night television, where he sharpened his skills at writing, interviewing, and entertaining various audiences. As writer Vikram Murthi noted, O’Brien is one of the last classic entertainers.

His success at the Oscars was not just due to his experience but also his ability to switch between silliness and seriousness. This balancing act was essential given that the ceremony occurred shortly after two significant events: a presidential election and destructive wildfires in Los Angeles. Hollywood itself has faced challenges as well, with productions largely leaving Los Angeles after the pandemic and dual strikes. Additionally, there have been scandals affecting several nominees in the audience, including O’Brien, who recently lost both his parents and had to evacuate his home due to the fires. His role was to not only entertain the A-listers present but also engage viewers at home, ensuring moments of laughter alongside sincerity.

O’Brien successfully navigated this challenge from the start. During his opening monologue, he took on the traditional role of an Oscars host, encouraging applause for stars like Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. He playfully poked fun at the Best Picture nominees and teased actors by showing their old headshots, including a sonogram image of Timothée Chalamet.

At the same time, he became the evening's playful provocateur, defending the spirited film Babygirl, which did not receive an Oscar nomination. He also ridiculed Amazon's recent acquisition of the James Bond franchise and made pointed jokes about Karla Sofía Gascón, whose past offensive tweets negatively impacted her Best Actress candidacy. The audience gasped at his comments regarding Gascón, and O’Brien clearly enjoyed the reactions, delighting in the moment by rubbing his hands together and jogging in place while saying, “I’m having fun.”

His excitement was a crucial part of his performance. It helped in making his more eccentric jokes seem less strange. Whether it was bantering with his friend Adam Sandler, teaming up with John Lithgow to encourage speakers to wrap up their lengthy speeches, or performing a humorous song-and-dance number about staying on schedule, O’Brien made his goal clear: to keep everyone entertained and engaged.

Perhaps this is why he effectively tackled a moment that many hosts might try to rush through: a heartfelt, direct message about the importance of filmmaking, especially during tough times. He acknowledged that in challenging moments, awards shows can feel excessive, but he reminded everyone why such gatherings matter. He said, “Even in the face of terrible wildfires and divisive politics, the work, which is what this is about, continues. This oddly beautiful ritual will thrive for years to come.”

He paused and smiled before joking, “I am leaving Hollywood to run a bed and breakfast in Orlando, and I’d like to see you there.” This was quintessential Conan: a blend of goofy joy and sincere excitement. In an interview leading up to the event, he expressed his desire to just have fun onstage, and it was evident that he achieved just that while also entertaining everyone in the audience.

Conan, Oscars, humor