Leonardo Dicaprio’s Oscars 2026 Reaction Becomes Instant Meme

Conan O’Brien returned to the Oscars on March 15 for the second year in a row, hosting the 98th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre. The 62-year-old comedian opened the ceremony with a pre-recorded sketch where he transformed into Aunt Gladys, a character from the horror film Weapons.

In the sketch, Conan was chased by the film’s spooky children while moving through sets inspired by other nominees, including a juke joint from Sinners and a Shakespearean stage from Hamnet.

When he hit the live stage, O’Brien immediately dove into comedy. He joked, “I am Conan O’Brien, and I am honored to be the last human host of the Academy Awards. Next year it’s going to be a Waymo in a tux.”

He also teased Timothée Chalamet about his recent comments on opera and ballet, saying, “I hear there are concerns about attacks from both the opera and ballet communities,” earning a laugh from Chalamet in the audience.

In a moment that will surely be remembered for a long time, O’Brien took the opportunity to expand Leonardo DiCaprio’s already massive collection of viral internet moments. The new clip of a mustachioed Leonardo DiCaprio looking bewildered with the caption “TFW You Didn’t Agree to This” is destined to stand alongside his iconic toast from The Great Gatsby and that smug, drink-clutching smirk from Django Unchained.

Conan O’Brien makes a new Leonardo DiCaprio meme #Oscars pic.twitter.com/OX62X798Mx

— Deadline (@DEADLINE) March 15, 2026

The monologue wasn’t all jokes. O’Brien also acknowledged the global climate while celebrating film. “We pay tribute tonight, not just to film, but to the ideals of global artistry, collaboration, patience, resilience, and that rarest of qualities today – optimism.

So let us celebrate not because we think all is well, but because we work and hope for better,” he said. His mix of humor and genuine respect reminded audiences why he is a trusted figure for the Oscars.

O’Brien has a long career in comedy, from writing for Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons to hosting his own late-night shows. He has also built a reputation as a podcaster and traveler with his Emmy-winning travel series Conan O’Brien Must Go.

In 2025, he received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor for his lifetime contribution to comedy. Outside of hosting, he continues producing content through his company Conaco, including his podcast Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, reaching millions of listeners every week.

The ceremony also saw major wins for the films themselves. Sinners received 16 nominations and won four Oscars, including Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan. One Battle After Another earned the night’s top honor, Best Picture, and took home a total of six awards.

Conan’s hosting performance combined laughs, respect for the art of film, and memorable sketches, proving once again why he remains a beloved figure in both comedy and Hollywood.

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