In his second consecutive year as Oscars host, Conan O’Brien proved his first time was no fluke. If O’Brien is to become the new Billy Crystal of the Academy Awards, that’s A-OK. Although a post-telecast bit naming him “Oscars Host for Life” ends with O’Brien being gassed (like the ending of “One Battle After Another”) and replaced by YouTube star Mr. Beast, a nod to the Oscars moving from ABC to YouTube in 2029.
Deploying comedic bits that are weird enough to surprise, O’Brien again made for a fitting host, especially in a post-monoculture era when few viewers have seen many of the nominated films.
While his opening sketch wasn’t particularly fresh — O’Brien, dressed as Aunt Gladys from “Weapons,” getting chased by children through clips of the nominated flicks, felt very Crystal-like — his monologue struck the right balance between mocking celebrities and acknowledging the current situation in Hollywood and globally.
“Last year when I hosted, Los Angeles was on fire, but this year everything’s going great,” O’Brien deadpanned, followed immediately by: “Security is extremely tight. I’m told there’s concern about an attack from both the opera and ballet communities,” referencing Timothy Chalamet’s faux pas. “They’re just mad you left out jazz.”
O’Brien also mocked Netflix’s anti-theatrical release stance (prior to becoming pro-theaters when the company wanted to buy Warner Bros.).
“[Netflix co-CEO] Ted Sarandos is here,” O’Brien said. “It’s his first time in a theater. ‘Why are they all here together enjoying themselves? They should be home alone which I can monetize it.’ ”
At the end of his monologue, O’Brien got serious, offering a passable justification to keep Hollywood awards shows going in trying times.
“It’s at moments like these that I believe the Oscars are particularly relevant,” O’Brien said. “Every film we salute is the product of thousands of people speaking different languages. We pay tribute to not only a film but the idea of global artistry, collaboration, patience, resilience and that rarest of qualities today, optimism. So let’s celebrate, not because we think all is well, but because we work and hope for better days ahead.”
O’Brien returned throughout the telecast with some enjoyable bits, including one with Sterling K. Brown (“This Is Us”) mocking streaming movies that repeat and restate plot elements for the benefit of those only half-watching while scrolling on their phones.
While O’Brien largely avoided politics, presenter Jimmy Kimmel did not.
“You know there are some countries whose leaders do not support free speech,” Kimmel said. “I’m not at liberty to say which ones. Let’s just leave it at North Korea and CBS.”
Kimmel also joked of President Trump. “Oh man, is he gonna be mad his wife’s film wasn’t nominated for this [documentary Oscar].” (Funny but also inaccurate: “Melania” was released in early 2026, so it’s not even eligible until next year’s Oscars.)
This year’s In Memoriam was particularly effective and moving. The segment began with a fitting tribute to the late Rob Reiner by his friend, Billy Crystal, followed by the stars of Reiner’s films (minus Tom Cruise from “A Few Good Men”) appearing on stage in tribute. Use of the song “Storybook Love” from Reiner’s “The Princess Bride” as the underscore during the video of Hollywood players who died was appropriate and a welcome way to amp up the emotion, followed by Rachel McAdams’ tributes to Diane Keaton and Catherine O’Hara and a heartfelt farewell to Robert Redford by Barbra “Babs” Streisand, who shared a touching story of their decades-long friendship before singing “The Way We Were.” This was an In Memoriam done right.
Of local note, Western Pennsylvania native Joe Letteri won his sixth Oscar for his contributions to the special effects work in “Avatar: Fire and Ash.”
Among the notable wins: “Sinners” cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw became the first woman to win the cinematography Academy Award; and in a rare but not unprecedented occurrence, there was a tie at the Oscars in the live-action short film category.
Michael B. Jordan’s best actor win for “Sinners” was one of the more emotional moments of the night, with the star thanking studio executives for betting on the culture and original ideas and artistry, his predecessors (Sidney Poitier, Jamie Fox, Halle Berry, etc.) and viewers at home.
“Thank you for betting on me and I’m gonna keep stepping up and being the best version of myself I can be,” Jordan said.
The telecast’s producers played off several winners, particularly when there was more than one person who wanted to speak. While the need to keep the show running on schedule is understandable, it’s a bad look when winners appear disrespected.
The full list of winners are:
Best picture: “One Battle After Another.”
Best supporting actress: Amy Madigan, “Weapons.”
Best actor: Michael B. Jordan, “Sinners.”
Best actress: Jessie Buckley, “Hamnet.”
Best supporting actor: Sean Penn, “One Battle After Another.”
Best director: Paul Thomas Anderson, “One Battle After Another.”
Best makeup and hairstyling: “Frankenstein.”
Best original score: Ludwig Göransson, “Sinners.”
Best live action short film: “The Singers” tied with “Two People Exchanging Saliva.”
Best adapted screenplay: Paul Thomas Anderson, “One Battle After Another.”
Best original screenplay: Ryan Coogler, “Sinners.”
Best animated short film: “The Girl Who Cried Pearls.”
Best casting: “One Battle After Another.”
Best original song: “Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters.”
Best documentary feature film: “Mr. Nobody Against Putin.”
Best documentary short film: “All the Empty Rooms.”
Best international feature film: Norway, “Sentimental Value.”
Best animated feature film: “KPop Demon Hunters.”
Best production design: “Frankenstein.”
Best film editing: “One Battle After Another.”
Best sound: “F1.”
Best visual effects: “Avatar: Fire and Ash.”
Best cinematography: “Sinners.”
Best costume design: “Frankenstein.”
