Conan O'Brien Sparks Laughter and Raises Eyebrows With Timothée Chalamet Joke at Oscars

Conan O'Brien opened the Oscars with a high-energy cold open that immediately set the tone for Hollywood's biggest night. Known for his sharp wit and physical comedy, O'Brien launched into a monologue that included a joke about Timothée Chalamet that drew both laughter and raised eyebrows from the audience.

A filmed segment that preceded his remarks parodied the chase scene from the film Weapons. It featured O'Brien in clownish makeup reminiscent of Amy Madigan's character and running across streets and bridges to the Beastie Boys track Sabotage.

The sequence highlighted O'Brien's physical comedy, showcasing his tall, gangly frame and signature red hair as he moved through the chaotic scenes. His later Chalamet quip, made in deadpan style, referenced the actor's recent comments on ballet and opera. The humour was subtle yet pointed, eliciting chuckles while avoiding overt controversy.

Punchy Jokes and Star Reactions

Throughout his monologue, O'Brien delivered a mix of sharp, punchy humour and niche cultural references. Among the highlights was a keyboard joke that earned quiet amusement: 'F1 did so well they are making a sequel: Caps Lock'. Another notable moment included a gag about Ted Sarandos, which the Netflix executive took in good humour, prompting smiles from the audience.

O'Brien also referenced British actors, quipping 'At least we arrest our paedophiles', a line that drew gasps and underscored the host's willingness to use edgy humour within the show's framework.

Some jokes, such as a meme-related gag about Leonardo DiCaprio, did not resonate as strongly with the audience. Overall, O'Brien's wide-ranging humour, from subtle references to bold punchlines, kept viewers thoroughly engaged throughout the opening segment.

Context and Hosting History

This marks O'Brien's second time hosting the Oscars, following a previous appearance where his delivery was noted as less assured. Compared with his earlier stint, the 2026 ceremony demonstrated a more confident and polished performance, with tighter timing and clearer punchlines.

The cold open drew parallels with O'Brien's 2009 The Tonight Show premiere, in which he ran across the country in a similar comedic chase sequence. The Oscars version maintained that physical comedy tradition while integrating topical references and celebrity-focused jokes, reflecting the host's experience and style, as reported by the New York Times.

Timothée Chalamet Joke in Focus

The Timothée Chalamet joke stood out for its subtlety. O'Brien acknowledged the actor's comments on ballet and opera while leaning into deadpan delivery, creating humour without causing controversy.

The audience's reaction suggested appreciation for the clever phrasing rather than shock, highlighting the host's skill in navigating celebrity jokes on a global stage and balancing wit with respect for the performers, ensuring the moment remained playful yet memorable.

Additional Highlights and Humour

Other moments from O'Brien's opening included playful nods to pop culture and the use of music to enhance comedy.

The Weapons-inspired parody combined chase sequences with exaggerated facial expressions and clownish movements, creating a visually engaging segment. The choice of Beastie Boys' Sabotage added energy and helped emphasise the high-paced comedy.

The segment also balanced topical humour, referencing current events in a light manner without delving into politics. O'Brien's ability to mix edgy, topical, and nerdy jokes created a multifaceted performance that resonated with both the live audience and viewers at home.