#conan_obrien

Oscars Viewership Drops 9% Amid Declining Trends in Award Shows The 2024 Academy Awards attracted 17.9 million viewers on Sunday night, marking a 9 percent decline from the previous year’s broadcast, according to Nielsen. This represents the first drop in viewership for the Oscars since 2021 and follows similar declines for the Grammy Awards and Golden Globe Awards this year. The trend highlights a broader shift in audience engagement with major award shows, as all three events recorded lower ratings compared to previous years. The Oscars’ ratings have been on a four-year upward trajectory until this year, when the decline coincided with the broadcast of the World Baseball Classic. The semifinal game between the United States and the Dominican Republic, which aired on Fox Sports 1 and Fox Deportes, drew 7.4 million viewers—a significant number for cable networks. While the sports event may have diverted some attention, the decline in Oscar viewership is attributed to broader changes in media consumption habits and competition from streaming platforms. The telecast, hosted by Conan O’Brien, received mostly positive reviews, with “One Battle After Another” winning the best picture award and “Sinners” securing four Oscars, including Michael B. Jordan’s first best actor win. Despite the drop in viewership, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences does not face the same pressure as before. The organization’s long-standing partnership with ABC, which spans over half a century, will end after 2028. Beginning in 2029, the Oscars will stream exclusively on YouTube, reflecting a strategic shift toward digital platforms. Nielsen’s ratings data includes both live viewers on ABC and those who streamed the ceremony on Hulu.#world_baseball_classic #conan_obrien #youtube #academy_of_motion_picture_arts_and_sciences #grammys

Amy Madigan Wins First Oscar at 75 for Role in 'Weapons' Actress Amy Madigan claimed her first Academy Award for best supporting actress on Sunday for her portrayal of Gladys in the supernatural horror film Weapons. The win marks her first Oscar after a 40-year wait since she was previously nominated for the same category for her role as Sunny Sobel in the 1986 drama Twice in a Lifetime. Madigan spoke with ABC News’ Lara Spencer backstage following the ceremony, reflecting on the significance of the moment. Madigan expressed surprise at the acclaim her performance received, calling it “totally surprising” and praising the audience’s reception of Gladys, the character she brought to life. “People really like my work, which is what you want,” she said. She also highlighted the uniqueness of the role, noting that it was a rare opportunity to play a character with such eccentricity. “You don’t get to play those kind of parts that often,” she remarked, adding that she often channels similar traits in her personal life, much to the dismay of her family and pets. The actress praised the Oscars host, Conan O’Brien, for opening the ceremony by playing Gladys, a role she described as “pretty good.” Madigan recounted meeting O’Brien backstage, where he joked, “Yeah, you did a lot better,” after she complimented his performance. She laughed off the quip, acknowledging his effort while emphasizing her own pride in the win. Madigan’s victory underscores her long career in acting, which she has pursued since age 19. At 75, she joked about the difference between her two Oscar experiences, saying, “What’s different is I’ve got this little gold guy!” She also took the opportunity to thank her daughter Lily Harris, her husband Ed Harris, and their dogs, calling her husband “the most important” person in her life.#weapons #conan_obrien #amy_madigan #ed_harris #lara_spencer

Oscars 2026: Conan O’Brien hosts the ceremony, takes opening shots at AI and Timothée Chalamet Conan O’Brien opened the 98th Academy Awards with a self-deprecating joke about his role as the last human host, joking that next year’s ceremony would be hosted by a Waymo self-driving car in a tuxedo. The comedian, 62, took the stage at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood for the ABC telecast, delivering his opening remarks with a mix of humor and reflection. “I am Conan O’Brien and I am honored to be the last human host of the Academy Awards,” he said, referencing the growing influence of artificial intelligence. The opening segment featured a pre-recorded bit in which O’Brien donned Amy Madigan’s iconic “Aunt Gladys” makeup from the film Weapons, a role that earned her an Academy Award for best supporting actress just minutes earlier. The clip showed O’Brien being chased by angry children, a nod to Gladys’s character in the movie. The segment then transitioned into animated clips, with O’Brien appearing in KPop Demon Hunters, playing table tennis against Timothée Chalamet in Marty Supreme, and running across a Shakespearean stage in Hamnet. O’Brien’s hosting duties were met with high security, as he joked about the event’s safety measures. “It’s his first time in a theater!” he quipped, referencing the audience’s presence. The comedian, who previously hosted the Oscars in 2025, was rehired after a three-year gap during which the ceremony lacked a host. This year’s event marked a return to stability for the Academy Awards, which had faced uncertainty about its hosting format. O’Brien’s return to the role came after a year of preparation, during which he avoided the disruptions of the 2025 wildfires that displaced him in Los Angeles.#conan_obrien #academy_awards #amy_madigan #timothe_chalamet #waymo

Oscars 2026 Live: 'One Battle' Wins Best Casting, Supporting Actor Takes Home Award The 98th annual Academy Awards, commonly known as the Oscars, are currently underway at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California. The ceremony, hosted by comedian Conan O’Brien, highlights the global impact of cinema as a unifying force. Among the notable moments, the film One Battle emerged victorious in the Best Casting category, marking a significant achievement for its creative team. Additionally, the Supporting Actor category was awarded to an actor whose performance was widely praised for its emotional depth and authenticity. The event also saw a historic tie in the Best Live Action Short category, a rare occurrence that has only happened seven times in the Oscars’ history. This development sparked discussions among industry insiders about the evolving standards of excellence in short film storytelling. Meanwhile, Ryan Coogler’s film Sinners entered the night with an impressive 16 Academy Award nominations, including coveted categories such as Best Picture and Best Director. The film’s success underscores its critical acclaim and the diverse range of narratives being recognized in contemporary cinema. As the awards ceremony progresses, audiences and critics alike are closely following the outcomes, which could shape the trajectory of future film projects and highlight emerging talent in the industry. The evening’s proceedings continue to emphasize the Oscars’ role in celebrating cinematic innovation and artistic achievement.#conan_obrien #oscars_2026 #dolby_theatre #one_battle #supporting_actor

98TH OSCARS® UNVEILS STAR-STUDDED PERFORMANCE LINEUP FOR HOLLYWOOD’S BIGGEST NIGHT The 98th Oscars® revealed its lineup of musical performances for the ceremony, set to take place on March 15, 2026. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the event will air live on ABC and stream on Hulu at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, with a live red carpet show beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT. Executive producer Raj Kapoor and co-producer Katy Mullan highlighted the performances as tributes to two influential films: “Sinners,” the most nominated film in Oscars history, and “KPop Demon Hunters,” a globally popular animated film. The “KPop Demon Hunters” segment will blend traditional Korean instruments with modern dance, reflecting the film’s cultural roots and folklore. The performance will feature EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, and REI AMI, the vocalists behind the film’s character HUNTR/X, singing the Oscar-nominated song “Golden.” This moment will celebrate the film’s fusion of pop culture and storytelling. The “Sinners” tribute will focus on the role of music in the film’s narrative, translating its cinematic style into a live stage production. Miles Caton and Raphael Saadiq will perform the Oscar-nominated track “I Lied To You,” joined by a diverse group of artists including Misty Copeland, Eric Gales, Buddy Guy, Brittany Howard, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Jayme Lawson, Li Jun Li, Bobby Rush, Shaboozey, and Alice Smith. The collaboration aims to honor the film’s unique visual and musical identity. Additional performances will include Josh Groban and the Los Angeles Master Chorale, adding a choral element to the ceremony. The producers plan to announce more talent additions in the weeks leading up to the event. The 98th Oscars will be held at the Dolby® Theatre in Hollywood, with live broadcasts in over 200 countries.#conan_obrien #98th_oscars #raj_kapoor #katy_mullan #kpop_demon_hunters

Conan O'Brien raging against the actors nominated for an Oscar instead of him is peak Conan Conan O'Brien’s latest outburst during an interview with Jimmy Kimmel has once again highlighted his signature blend of chaos and humor. The late-night host, who is set to host the Oscars again this year, took the opportunity to vent about his frustration over not being nominated for his role in If I Had Legs I'd Kick You. During the segment, O'Brien delivered a fiery monologue, claiming he is "better than all of them combined" and expressing his disbelief at being overlooked for an Oscar nomination. The interview, which was part of Kimmel’s show, also included O'Brien recounting his struggles to come up with a joke about the film Train Dreams. Despite the challenges, he managed to keep the audience entertained with his trademark wit. The segment quickly turned into a full-blown rant as O'Brien shifted focus to his Oscar snub, screaming into the camera and emphasizing his feelings of being "denied" recognition for his work. O'Brien’s outburst was met with laughter and applause from the audience, as it’s become a familiar sight for fans of his show. His ability to blend self-deprecation with outrage has made him a standout figure in late-night television. While the Oscars are a major event in the entertainment calendar, O'Brien’s reaction underscores the unpredictable and often theatrical nature of his performances. The clip has since gone viral, with many viewers praising his unfiltered honesty and dramatic flair. For O'Brien, the Oscars are more than just an awards show—they’re a stage for his unique brand of humor and frustration. Whether he ends up winning or not, his ability to turn a moment of disappointment into a comedic spectacle is what makes him a fan favorite.#conan_obrien #jimmy_kimmel #oscar_nomination #if_i_had_legs_id_kick_you #train_dreams

Conan O'Brien, The 2026 Oscars Interview Conan O’Brien, the man Stephen Colbert dubs “the patron saint of ex-talk show hosts,” is preparing to host the 98th Academy Awards, a gig he’s approached with a mix of obsession and self-deprecation. The comedian, now 62, has spent months refining his material for the event, delivering a surprise set at Largo, a Los Angeles comedy club, to test his jokes with live audiences. Each performance is followed by a day of writer sessions, as O’Brien and his team debate what resonates with the industry crowd versus the TV audience. “I get obsessive,” he admits. “I want to turn it off, but I can’t. That’s not always a fun ride, but that’s the deal.” O’Brien’s first Oscar hosting stint in 2025 was well-received, prompting him to return for an encore. His approach to the role is both a professional challenge and a personal test. “It’s like this little baby bird that I’m cradling,” he says, gesturing as if to shield his jokes from his own relentless edits. Despite his meticulous preparation, O’Brien acknowledges the inherent risks of live television. “Any live telecast is a flirtation with disaster,” he notes. “Electing to run this particular gauntlet could justifiably be interpreted as masochism.” The decision to host the Oscars again comes after a career marked by reinvention. O’Brien retired from late-night TV in 2021, leaving behind a legacy that includes a successful podcast, a $150 million SiriusXM deal, and an Emmy-winning travel show. He’s also taken on roles that defy his earlier image, such as starring opposite Rose Byrne in the dramedy If I Had Legs I’d Kick You. Despite his public persona of self-deprecation, O’Brien’s peers and family admire his work ethic and personal integrity.#conan_obrien #los_angeles #academy_awards #stephen_colbert #jeff_ross

Andy Richter to Host TikTok Live During Conan O'Brien's Oscars Ceremony Conan O’Brien’s return as host of the 98th Academy Awards will feature a familiar face from his long-standing comedy partnership. Andy Richter, O’Brien’s longtime sidekick and collaborator, will play a key role during the ceremony by hosting a special TikTok Live stream for ABC. The event will provide fans with a behind-the-scenes look at the Oscars, offering a unique perspective alongside the main televised broadcast. Richter’s involvement marks a reunion with ABC, where he became a fan favorite during his recent season of Dancing with the Stars. Though he didn’t always secure the highest scores, his charm and humor left a lasting impression on judges and viewers. This time, his role will be more about spontaneity than competition. Hosting a TikTok Live from backstage aligns with Richter’s improvisational style, allowing him to roam the Oscars venue, engage with nominees, presenters, and celebrities, and share quick, unscripted moments with the audience. The idea of incorporating a sidekick into the Oscars isn’t new. During Jimmy Kimmel’s four hosting stints, his on-air partner Guillermo Rodriguez often appeared on the show, participating in segments and conducting red carpet interviews. While Richter’s role won’t involve tequila shots with winners, his presence is expected to add a lighthearted, nostalgic element to the event. For fans of O’Brien and Richter’s late-night chemistry, the reunion is a highlight of this year’s ceremony. The duo’s partnership, which began on Late Night with Conan O’Brien and continued on The Tonight Show and the TBS series Conan, remains a cornerstone of their careers.#conan_obrien #abc #academy_awards #andy_richter #dancing_with_the_stars

A Day Out in Hollywood with Andy Richter GMA is spending a day in Hollywood with Andy Richter ahead of the 2026 Oscars, as he prepares to livestream the event on TikTok. Conan O'Brien will host the ceremony, marking a significant moment in the entertainment industry's coverage of the prestigious awards. The collaboration between GMA and Richter highlights the growing trend of real-time engagement through social media platforms, allowing fans to experience the Oscars from a unique perspective. This initiative underscores the evolving landscape of media consumption, where traditional broadcasting is increasingly complemented by digital and live-streaming options. As the 2026 Oscars approach, the integration of TikTok into the event's coverage represents a strategic move to connect with younger audiences and enhance viewer interaction. The livestream is expected to provide exclusive behind-the-scenes content and real-time updates, offering fans an immersive experience that goes beyond the traditional broadcast. This partnership between GMA and Andy Richter exemplifies the dynamic changes in how major events are presented and consumed in the digital age.#conan_obrien #tiktok #andy_richter #gma #2026_oscars

Michelle Obama Says Trump's Antics Wouldn't Fly From Her Family Michelle Obama criticized President Donald Trump’s behavior during a segment of her “IMO Podcast,” comparing the standards expected of the first Black family in the White House to the disciplined approach of baseball legend Jackie Robinson. Speaking with comedian Conan O’Brien, Obama reflected on her family’s experience during their time in the White House, emphasizing how their actions were scrutinized under intense public pressure. She argued that Trump’s conduct would not have been tolerated if it had come from her family, highlighting the stark contrast in how leaders of color are held to different standards than their white counterparts. Obama recounted a story from her time at a military base in the Middle East, where she and her husband, former President Barack Obama, were the first Black family to occupy the White House. O’Brien mentioned how the Obamas had to navigate strict protocols, with every detail meticulously handled to avoid controversy. Obama expanded on this, stating that the Obamas’ ability to maintain high standards was a necessity for their role. “It wasn’t difficult to follow rules; it wasn’t difficult to have high standards,” she said. “In order to get where we are, you don’t get here without being damn near perfect.” She contrasted this with Trump’s repeated failures and lack of accountability, suggesting that such behavior would not be accepted from a Black family in the same position. “We don’t get to fail two, three, five, seven times,” Obama said. “We don’t get to file bankruptcy over and over again and still be considered a successful business person.” She emphasized that every detail must be precise, with no room for mistakes, a standard she believed Trump’s actions repeatedly violated.#michelle_obama #barack_obama #conan_obrien #jackie_robison #kamala_harris

Conan O’Brien and Chris Fleming’s Unfiltered Conversation Conan O’Brien began by expressing surprise, joking that he had mistaken the interview for a conversation with the late illusionist Doug Henning, whom he had attended the funeral of. Chris Fleming responded by quipping that the magazine’s usual content—such as Alexander Skarsgård interviewed by Judge Judy or Fiona Apple by the Tinder Swindler—was far less coherent than their exchange. O’Brien admitted his admiration for Fleming, calling him a “ridiculous figure” and lamenting that he still wished he were speaking to Henning. Fleming recalled their last encounter, when O’Brien had catcalled him at a stoplight, and joked about O’Brien’s vanity plate reading “Redheads have more fun.” O’Brien revealed his illegal, longest license plate in Los Angeles, while Fleming noted O’Brien’s scholarly appearance in glasses, comparing him to Sissy Spacek in Carrie when the glasses were removed. Fleming mentioned his current location in Northampton, a town he described as more vegan than their shared hometowns, and joked that if the Salem Witchcraft trial judges had seen the area, they’d be “pissed.” O’Brien humorously claimed that during their Zoom call, a bear had recognized Fleming, to which Fleming replied that he had spotted a porcupine in Massachusetts. O’Brien added that turkeys in Boston were also a real thing, referencing Fleming’s earlier comment. Fleming recounted seeing O’Brien at an event where he had resisted the urge to mention The Moody Blues or Zydeco while interacting with Charli XCX, whom O’Brien claimed he had “drilled down on” to confirm Charli XCX had not wanted to be near him.#conan_obrien #chris_fleming #alexander_skarsgrd #judge_judy #fiona_apple

See How a Breakout Comic Uses Dance to Make Us Laugh A funny walk can go a long way in comedy. The stand-up Chris Fleming has elevated his to an art form; specifically, he has turned it into dance. “My leg brain will take over,” he said. “If I’m in front of an audience and I’m struggling, my legs know how to get a laugh.” Fleming, 39, whose first HBO special, “Chris Fleming: Live at the Palace,” arrives Friday, cuts a different figure from just about anybody else in the comedy world. Partly this is because of his fashion sense: blindingly bright jazz shoes, plumage as an accessory and jewel-toned flares, which accentuate his lanky frame. But mostly it is because he marries the idiosyncrasies of his writing — one bit has him pretending to be a dirty cast-iron skillet — with a delivery that leans heavily on his training in classic modern dance. He is probably the only working funnyman who cites Isadora Duncan as an influence. “Chris is one of the most exciting comedians to watch right now,” said Mike Birbiglia, the veteran comic who has hosted Fleming on his podcast. (Conan O’Brien, another fan, produced his special.) Fleming’s physicality and style are “so deeply himself” and original, Birbiglia said via email. “Plus his material is very uncensored. He’s like Kathy Griffin meets Lenny Bruce meets Cirque du Soleil.”#conan_obrien #hbo #chris_fleming #mike_birbiglia #cirque_du_soleil