Oscars 2026: Conan O’Brien Navigates War & AI in Hosting Approach

Conan O’Brien is navigating a familiar tightrope as he prepares to host the 98th Academy Awards this Sunday: balancing entertainment with the weight of current events. The former talk show host described the task as a “dance” during a Wednesday press conference, acknowledging the challenge of addressing the ongoing Iran war although still delivering a celebratory show.

This year’s Oscars arrive against a backdrop of global tension, with the conflict in Iran casting a shadow over Hollywood’s biggest night. The situation echoes the anxieties surrounding the 2025 ceremony, which took place just months after the devastating L.A. Wildfires, prompting questions about whether and how to acknowledge the local crisis. As the Los Angeles Times reported last year, the Academy faced a similar dilemma about acknowledging real-world tragedy amidst a glamorous event.

Carson’s Precedent and a Search for the Right Tone

O’Brien drew a parallel to Johnny Carson’s hosting stint during the Iran hostage crisis of 1979-1981, recalling a joke Carson made parodying ABC’s “Nightline” – “It’s day 444 of the Oscars.” O’Brien described the joke as “funny, topical…and unifying,” a model he hopes to emulate. Finding that balance, he emphasized, is a collaborative effort with Oscars telecast executive producers Katy Mullan and Raj Kapoor. “Between us,” O’Brien said, “we will identify the right tone.”

The search for that tone comes as security concerns surrounding the Oscars have been heightened. Reports of potential Iranian drone threats have prompted a significant security upgrade, with support from the FBI and the Los Angeles Police Department. IMDb reported that Oscars EP and showrunner Raj Kapoor assured the public that the production team has “one of the best teams in the business” working to ensure attendee safety. Kapoor further stated that the goal is to make sure “everybody that is coming to this show…we want everybody to feel safe and protected and welcome.”

Beyond Security: A Focus on “Human Touch”

The increased security measures aren’t the only adjustments being made. The creative team is actively emphasizing “human touch” as a central theme for the telecast, a deliberate counterpoint to the growing presence of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry. Music director Michael Bearden articulated this sentiment, celebrating “human connection and what I like to call actual intelligence, as opposed to artificial.”

This commitment to human artistry will be showcased through several planned performances. The show will feature a performance by “KPop Demon Hunters,” alongside a “Sinners” moment with Miles Caton and Raphael Saadiq, and guest appearances from 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. Kapoor highlighted the performance as a celebration of Korean culture, incorporating authentic Korean drummers, singers, and choreography, and a broader effort to showcase “global stories” and “international films.”

Reunions and a Potential Byrne Win

Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, the Oscars are planning reunions for the cast of “Bridesmaids” and members of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Notably, Rose Byrne, a nominee for Lead Actress for her role in “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” was a star of “Bridesmaids.” O’Brien jokingly claimed that if Byrne wins, “half that Oscar’s mine,” referencing his own dramatic acting debut in the film. Mullan also teased the appearance of “superstars, superheroes, and…an extraterrestrial” on stage, leaving audiences to speculate on the surprises in store.

California Drone Threat and Increased Security

The heightened security isn’t solely focused on the event itself. Recent reports have indicated potential threats to California from Iranian drones, prompting a memo from state officials and increased vigilance. KTLA reported that authorities are ramping up security outside the Dolby Theatre in anticipation of Sunday’s ceremony. The FBI has reportedly warned California authorities of a possible Iranian drone threat, leading to a coordinated response from state and local law enforcement.

The 98th Academy Awards will air live on ABC this Sunday at 4 p.m. Pacific, with streaming options available on Hulu, YouTube TV, AT&T TV, and FuboTV. As O’Brien and his team finalize preparations, the challenge remains to create a memorable and entertaining show that acknowledges the realities of the world without succumbing to them.

Looking Ahead: Final Revisions and Live Broadcast

O’Brien confirmed that the writing team is still actively revising material to ensure relevance in the face of evolving events. The final touches will be put on the show in the days leading up to the live broadcast, with the goal of striking the delicate balance between levity and gravity that O’Brien described. The broadcast promises a blend of star power, musical performances, and a conscious effort to celebrate human creativity in a complex world.