Talk show host and comedian Conan O'Brien returned to host the Oscars for the second year in a row, addressing everything from the Middle East conflict to artificial intelligence (AI) in an unusually politically charged monologue.
Conan opened his second Oscars with a reference to “chaotic and frightening times”, a reference to the conflict in the Middle East between Iran, Israel, and the US. He then turned his attention to the industry itself, reserving some of his best jokes for streaming giants Netflix and Amazon.
Conan joked Netflix chief Ted Sarandos was in a theater for the first time, and lamented the lack of nominees for Amazon MGM Studios. He also quipped, “Why isn't the website I order toilet paper from winning more Oscars?”
Artificial intelligence was also a target of Conan's monologue as he began with: “I am Conan O’Brien and I am honored to be the last human host of the Academy Awards.”
In a momentarily tense moment, Conan added that the security was high at this year's Oscars, before pivoting to Best Actor nominee Timothee Chalamet. “I hear there are concerns about attacks from both the opera and ballet communities,” he said, getting a big laugh.
