“Well, you know, I don’t want anyone to slap me,” the comedian joked to The New Yorker last month of his preparations, referencing Will Smith‘s infamous 2022 Oscars slap. “I’d like a streaker. And you know what I’d really like? A streaker to slap me. That would just satisfy so many of my dormant Catholic hangups.”
In fact, the 62-year-old has officially accepted embracing the unexpected.
“It’s a weird duality here,” O’Brien continued. “It’s a weird thing. I like to plan, and I like to prepare. And then I love it when something goes off the rails.”
In the end, the former Conan host just wants everyone—including himself—to have a good time.
“What I’ve learned myself over time is that I can’t fake enjoyment,” he admitted to the outlet. “I need to find ways to make sure that I’m having a lot of fun.”
Keep reading to see the full list of 2026 Oscars winners, and check back here all night for live updates.
The Oscars air live Sunday, March 15, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT on ABC and Hulu.
