Watch: Conan O’Brien’s Oscars 2026 Joke Puts Timothée Chalamet in Spotlight

Conan O’Brien drew laughter during the Academy Awards 2026 after joking about comments made by Timothée Chalamet earlier this year.

While delivering his opening monologue, the host quipped that security at the ceremony was especially tight due to possible “attacks from both the opera and ballet communities.” The remark prompted cheers and laughter from the audience.

The camera quickly cut to Chalamet, who was seated beside Kylie Jenner, smiling and laughing at the joke.

O’Brien continued the bit moments later, adding that those communities were likely upset because Chalamet had “left out jazz,” drawing another round of laughs from the crowd.

Why the joke landed

The joke referenced comments Chalamet made during a February 2026 town hall discussion with Matthew McConaughey that aired on CNN.

While discussing the importance of keeping movie theaters alive, Chalamet compared cinema to traditional art forms and remarked that he wouldn’t want to work in ballet or opera where audiences may be declining.

The comments quickly sparked backlash from parts of the performing arts world. The Royal Ballet and Opera later responded, emphasizing that both art forms remain culturally significant.

Ballet star Misty Copeland also criticized the remarks, arguing that actors themselves owe much to the traditions of opera and ballet.