If Conan O’Brien ever wins an Oscar, you won’t hear him saying “it’s just an honor to be nominated.” As evidenced by Sunday’s (March 15) 2026 Oscars, the night’s host would win in the least humble way possible.
After commenting on how most winners share their glory with their team and their spouse. “It’s refreshing to see all this modesty and genuine humility,” O’Brien said. “But honestly, I don’t know if I could do that. If it were me and I was up for an Oscar…”
As he trailed off, we entered a dream sequence in which O’Brien was up for the fictional Best Achievement Oscar against Academy favorites Antonio Banderas, Renee Zellweger, Denzel Washington and Glenn Close. When the former late-night host is revealed as the winner, he stands up and thrusts his hands in the air as he’s draped in a velvet robe and crown and blessed by a cardinal.
Josh Groban then hits the stage to serenade the proud winner, singing: “His Oscar win has been fated by God/ He did this himself, and he’s grateful to none/ Even the haters can’t hate number one.”
O’Brien then summons a falcon named Cicero to deliver his statuette from the sky, promising the crowd: “This is how all Oscars will be handed out tonight.”
This is the second year Conan O’Brien has hosted the Academy Awards, following his debut as Oscars host last year. He previously hosted the Emmys twice as well, in 2002 and 2006.
