A small surprise was waiting for guests underneath their seats at the 2026 Oscars, courtesy of host Conan O'Brien. The talk show personality greeted attendees with his signature humor on Sunday, March 15, leaving a witty note and a bag full of tasty snacks for the guests during the three-hour 98th Academy Awards ceremony held at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. O'Brien got the evening started with his opening monologue. "Tonight could get political, and if that makes you uncomfortable, there's an alternate Oscars being hosted by Kid Rock," he told the crowd.