Oscar Opening: Conan O'Brien Teases Timothée Chalamet - Conan O'Brien's Oscars 2024 monologue blends sharp wit with Hollywood's dark shadows
Conan O'Brien hosted the 2024 Oscars for the second time, opening the ceremony with sharp jokes and pointed remarks. His monologue touched on everything from Timothée Chalamet's recent comments to the absence of British nominees in the top acting categories. The event itself unfolded under unusually tight security measures, adding to the evening's unusual tone.
O'Brien kicked off the night by poking fun at Chalamet, who is nominated for Best Actor in Marty Supreme. He referenced the actor's dismissive remarks about public interest in opera and ballet, which had earlier sparked backlash from the arts community. The host quipped that security was tighter than usual—not just for high-profile guests, but to guard against potential retaliation from offended opera singers and ballet dancers.
The Epstein scandal also became part of the monologue, with O'Brien noting its lingering shadow over Hollywood. He highlighted another notable absence: no British actors or actresses appeared in the Best Actor or Best Actress lineups this year. The nominees included Americans like Leonardo DiCaprio and Emma Stone, alongside Irish, Australian, and Norwegian talent, but no British performers made the cut. Toward the end of his speech, O'Brien shifted to a more reflective tone. He acknowledged the industry's ongoing challenges but urged the audience to celebrate the night's achievements anyway.
The Oscars proceeded under O'Brien's mix of humour and candour, balancing jokes with moments of seriousness. His remarks on security, the Epstein scandal, and the lack of British nominees set an early tone for the ceremony. The evening moved forward with the host's blend of wit and reflection guiding the event.
