Conan O’Brien returned to the stage for the 98th Academy Awards on Sunday, March 15, 2026, marking his second consecutive year as the ceremony's host. While the late-night veteran brought his signature energy to the broadcast, the night was not without its hurdles. Reports from Forbes and The Guardian highlight a mix of sharp humor and unexpected controversy that defined the evening.

The biggest talking point of the night centered on a specific joke during O’Brien’s opening monologue. The host drew swift criticism for a remark regarding pedophiles, which many viewers and critics described as jarring for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ biggest night. According to the Los Angeles Times, the joke sparked immediate pushback on social media and dominated post-show discussions.

The tension may have translated to the scoreboard, as viewership for the telecast took a hit. Official ratings data confirms the ceremony saw a 9% decline in viewership compared to the 2025 broadcast. Despite a star-studded lineup of winners, the decline suggests the ABC telecast struggled to maintain the momentum of O'Brien's previous hosting debut.