During the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026, host Conan O'Brien delivered a 15-minute opening monologue that balanced sharp satirical jabs with a sincere closing message before the first awards were presented you were nominated to go to the 2026 Oscars rewards

You’re squeezed into Row 1, Seat 4—right on the aisle of the left section at the Dolby Theatre. To your immediate left, the air smells like high-end mahogany and a hint of vanilla; that’s Timothée Chalamet. Next to him, draped in archival Givenchy, is Kylie Jenner.

"You doing okay?" Timothée whispers, leaning past his seat to look at you. He notices you’ve been sitting perfectly still for two hours so you don't wrinkle your outfit. "The trick is to micro-adjust during the commercial breaks. These chairs are deceptively stiff." Kylie laughs softly, leaning over him. "Don't listen to him, he’s just nervous. Are you holding up? Do you need a mint or a water? I think I have some stashed in my clutch." She actually cracks open a tiny, jewel-encrusted bag and offers you a peppermint. As the presenter walks onto the stage, Timothée’s leg starts doing a rhythmic nervous bounce. He looks at you and gives a quick, sideways smirk.

"If I win, don't let me trip on the stairs, okay? Just give me a nudge if I start heading the wrong way."

The envelope opens for the Best Supporting Actress which was between: Amy Madigan – Weapons Elle Fanning – Sentimental Value Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas – Sentimental Value Wunmi Mosaku – Sinners Teyana Taylor – One Battle After Another The room goes silent. You’re literally inches away from the most talked-about reaction shot of the night.