Conan O’Brien is back on the Oscars stage, and he’s making one thing clear — the jokes will hit hard but stay smart.
The longtime late-night host told reporters that walking the Oscars’ comedic tightrope is no small feat, but he has a plan.
“Hosting this show is a very thin line,” Conan said during a virtual press conference previewing the show on Wednesday.
“We’re celebrating movies and the amazing people behind them, but it has to be funny without tipping into anger or politics.”
Conan O’Brien is back on the Oscars stage, and he’s making one thing clear: the jokes will hit hard but stay smart. Billy Bennight/ZUMA Press Wire / SplashNews.com
Conan O’Brien and a crew member unroll the red carpet for the 98th Oscars. WireImage
Katy Mullan, Conan O’Brien, Raj Kapoor, Misty Buckley, Mandy Moore, and Michael Bearden posing for a photo. Disney via Getty Images
That philosophy explains a major decision: Conan is avoiding Trump jokes altogether.
In a recent interview on The New Yorker Radio Hour, he said the former president has become “bad for comedy” because reality now outpaces satire.
“When comedians get angry instead of clever, it doesn’t land,” he explained, signaling a lighter, smarter approach to humor.
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The careful curation even extends to his material for specific films.
Conan revealed he scrapped a joke about a Best Picture nominee after testing it and realizing it fell flat.
“Pity applause doesn’t work,” he quipped on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, reflecting his meticulous approach to the monologue.
But the ceremony isn’t just a comedy exercise. Conan also described the personal resonance of returning to the Oscars stage.
Watching award shows with his late father created a “cosmic” connection, he said, reminding him why the Oscars hold a special place in his heart.
Conan’s approach promises a show that’s funny, thoughtful and carefully curated. Disney via Getty Images
Conan O’Brien and three men pose with a roll of carpet on the red carpet. Disney via Getty Images
Another moment Conan highlighted is the tribute to filmmaker Rob Reiner, planned for the ceremony.
He called it “very powerful,” signaling a mix of humor and heartfelt moments will anchor the show.
As he prepares to step back on stage, Conan hopes this year’s Oscars will reflect the care and precision of a seasoned late-night veteran, keeping the spotlight on the movies while making sure the laughs never miss their mark.