Popular show host and comedian Conan O’Brien took aim at high-profile figures during his opening monologue at the 98th Academy Awards, leaving the audience in stitches.
The comedian poked fun at Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, joking that it was his first time inside a movie theatre.
O’Brien imagined Sarandos shocked to see so many people at the Dolby Theatre instead of streaming movies at home.
The Netflix chief laughed along with the crowd.
“Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos is here, and this is exciting. It’s his first time in a theatre. This is what they are talking about,” O’Brien said.
He also teased Timothée Chalamet over his February remarks dismissing ballet and opera.
“Security is extremely tight tonight. I am just going to mention that. I am told there are concerns about attacks from both the Opera and Ballet communities,” O’Brien quipped, drawing laughs from Chalamet and his girlfriend, Kylie Jenner.
The host took a political jab at the 2026 Super Bowl’s alternative halftime show by MAGA group Turning Point USA, with Kid Rock performing.
“I should warn you, tonight could get political. And if that makes you uncomfortable, there is an alternate Oscars being hosted by Kid Rock. Yeah, it’s at the Dave and Busters down the street,” O’Brien said.
Kid Rock responded on X, “I love a good joke, even when I am the butt of it, unfortunately this was not a very good one.”
O’Brien also highlighted that, for the first time since 2012, no British performers were nominated for Best Actor or Actress. He joked, “A British spokesperson said, ‘Yeah, well at least we arrest our pedophiles.’”
The remark referenced Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s arrest following leaked emails tied to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Earlier this year, the US Department of Justice released millions of documents related to Epstein’s crimes, naming figures including Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Bill Clinton, and former President Donald Trump.