Oscars 2026: Conan O’Brien jokes about Timothée Chalamet’s ballet comments in opening monologue

Conan O’Brien has taken a swipe at Timothée Chalamet during his opening monologue at the Academy Awards, referencing the actor’s recent controversial comments about ballet and opera.

O’Brien joked that organisers had been warned about potential outrage from arts communities.

“I’m told there’s concern about attacks from both the opera and ballet communities,” he said. “They’re just mad you left out jazz.”

Chalamet, who was sitting in the audience alongside his partner Kylie Jenner, was seen smiling and laughing as the camera cut to him following the remark.

The joke referenced comments the actor made during a recent interview with Matthew McConaughey while promoting his upcoming film Marty Supreme.

During the conversation, Chalamet said he had little interest in performing in traditional art forms such as opera or ballet.

“I don’t want to be working in ballet or opera where it’s like, ‘Hey, keep this thing alive, even though no one cares about this anymore,’” he said.

The remarks quickly drew criticism online, particularly from members of the performing arts community.

O’Brien also poked fun at Chalamet by introducing a new instrument to the orchestra, the “bumdrum,” a reference to a scene from the actor’s film Marty Supreme.The ceremony is also taking place under heightened security after US authorities warned of potential threats to major public events.

Law enforcement agencies in California have reportedly increased surveillance, patrols and security measures around the Dolby Theatre following intelligence warnings that Iran may have explored launching drone attacks toward the US west coast, according to Variety.

Officials stress there is no confirmed plot targeting the Academy Awards itself but say the alert has prompted extra vigilance around the globally watched event.

A private security contractor who works with several A-list celebrities told RadarOnline.com anxiety was spreading among those preparing to walk the red carpet.

The source told the outlet: “There is genuine unease behind the scenes because everyone understands the Oscars is one of the most visible events in the world. If someone wanted attention, that stage would deliver it.

“Clients are now asking detailed questions about evacuation routes, airspace monitoring and how quickly the venue could be locked down if something appeared in the sky.

“No one is saying the threat is certain, but the fact federal agencies issued the alert has made people jittery.”

Meanwhile O’Brien had plenty of other celebrities to roast in his opening monologue, as he kicked off the ceremony with a wild stunt dressed as Aunt Gladys from Weapons and being chased by rabid kids, running through scenarios from many of the nominated films this year, including One Battle After Another, KPop Demon Hunters, Sentimental Value, Marty Supreme and Sinners.

“Hey, I’m Conan O’Brien and I’m honoured to be the last human host of the Oscars. Next year, it’s going to be a Waymo in a tux.”

He also took a shot at Netflix co-chief executive Ted Sarandos - “It’s his first time in a theatre!” - and at the right-wing response to Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show - “Tonight could get political, and if that makes you uncomfortable, there’s an alternate Oscars being hosted by Kid Rock”.

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