Comedian Conan O’Brien sparked a strong reaction during the opening monologue of the 2026 Academy Awards after making a joke referencing Prince Andrew and the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, in a moment that quickly became one of the most widely discussed parts of the ceremony.
The 98th Academy Awards took place on 15 March 2026 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, Los Angeles, celebrating films released during the previous year. O’Brien returned as host for the ceremony, delivering the traditional opening monologue that sets the tone for the night with a mix of celebrity jokes, commentary on the nominated films and topical references.
Early in the routine, O’Brien turned his attention to the international makeup of the acting categories. Referring to the absence of British nominees in the leading acting categories, he set up a punchline that referenced Prince Andrew and the long-running controversy surrounding his links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
According to reports from the ceremony, O’Brien joked that Britain had no acting nominees this year before adding that the country “at least arrests our pedophiles,” a line widely interpreted as a reference to the Duke of York.
The remark appeared to catch some members of the audience by surprise. While awards show hosts often incorporate political or cultural jokes into their monologues, references to major scandals involving prominent public figures can provoke mixed reactions from audiences both inside the venue and watching at home.
Prince Andrew has remained one of the most controversial figures connected to the Epstein scandal, which has drawn global attention for more than a decade. Epstein, a wealthy financier with connections to numerous political, social and business figures, died in custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal charges related to sex trafficking.
The scandal drew international scrutiny because of Epstein’s extensive network of contacts, many of whom had social or professional relationships with him before the criminal allegations became public. As investigators and journalists examined those relationships, attention turned toward a number of high-profile figures, including Prince Andrew.
The Duke of York had previously been photographed with Epstein and had stayed at several properties connected to the financier. In 2019 he gave a televised interview intended to address the allegations and explain his association with Epstein. The interview, however, generated widespread criticism and intensified pressure on him to step back from official royal duties.
Soon after the interview aired, Buckingham Palace confirmed that Prince Andrew would withdraw from public royal duties. The decision followed growing public and political scrutiny surrounding his relationship with Epstein.
In 2022 Andrew reached a financial settlement in a civil lawsuit brought by Virginia Giuffre, who accused him of sexually assaulting her when she was a minor. Andrew denied the allegations but agreed to the settlement, which included a charitable donation and a statement expressing regret for his association with Epstein.
Because of the scale of the scandal and the involvement of powerful individuals, references to Epstein and those connected to him have occasionally appeared in political commentary and entertainment. O’Brien’s remark at the Oscars drew on that wider cultural context, linking the controversy to broader conversations about accountability among influential figures.
The Oscars ceremony has long been a platform where hosts use humour to address current events or social issues. Over the decades, hosts have made jokes about political leaders, public controversies and global developments, often drawing both praise and criticism for their remarks.
O’Brien’s monologue included several other jokes touching on contemporary topics in addition to the Prince Andrew reference. Reports from the ceremony noted that he also made jokes about American politics, cultural trends and several actors in attendance.
Much of the routine followed the traditional awards show format, mixing playful teasing of celebrities with references to the nominated films. O’Brien also interacted with members of the audience, a common feature of Oscars hosting that aims to create a lighter atmosphere before the awards presentations begin.
The comedian has built a career on a distinctive comedic style that blends satire, absurd humour and rapid-fire jokes. O’Brien first gained prominence as a writer for television comedy programmes including Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons before becoming host of the late-night programme Late Night with Conan O’Brien in 1993.
He later hosted The Tonight Show briefly in 2009 before launching the talk show Conan on cable television. Over more than three decades in entertainment, he has become known for combining self-deprecating humour with occasional sharp commentary about politics and culture.
His approach to hosting the Oscars has reflected that style. Like many comedians who have hosted the ceremony, he balances playful jokes aimed at the film industry with commentary on broader events and controversies.
The Prince Andrew remark was not the only moment during the ceremony that touched on global issues. Throughout the evening several presenters and winners used their time on stage to reference political developments, international tensions and the role of cinema in shaping cultural conversations.
Such moments have become increasingly common at major awards ceremonies, where performers and filmmakers often use the global platform to speak about issues beyond the film industry.
The 2026 Oscars also featured a number of notable awards and milestones. Several major films competed across multiple categories, and the ceremony included performances, tributes and appearances by prominent actors and directors.
As is customary, the event also paused for the annual “In Memoriam” segment honouring members of the film industry who died during the previous year. The tribute has become one of the most emotional moments of the ceremony, reflecting on the contributions of actors, filmmakers and industry professionals.
Despite the celebratory tone of the event, the opening monologue often becomes one of the most widely discussed parts of the ceremony. Because it airs at the beginning of the broadcast and includes jokes about current events, the routine frequently generates debate among viewers.
In this case, O’Brien’s reference to Prince Andrew quickly circulated online after the broadcast, with clips of the moment shared across social media platforms. Viewers offered a range of reactions, with some praising the comedian for addressing a controversial subject while others suggested the remark was unusually blunt for the Oscars stage.
For awards show hosts, navigating that balance between humour and controversy is often one of the most difficult aspects of the role. The Oscars audience includes some of the world’s most recognisable actors and filmmakers, while the ceremony itself is watched by millions of viewers worldwide.
Comedians hosting the event must therefore weigh how far to push their material, knowing that their remarks will be scrutinised both inside the theatre and by audiences around the world.
In the case of the 2026 ceremony, O’Brien’s monologue demonstrated that the tradition of topical and sometimes provocative humour remains a central element of the Oscars broadcast.
While the awards themselves celebrated the achievements of filmmakers and performers over the past year, the host’s remarks ensured that the ceremony also sparked wider discussion about satire, public accountability and the place of controversial humour on one of entertainment’s biggest stages.
