Oscars 2026: Conan O’Brien Roasts Timothée Chalamet Over Viral Ballet and Opera Comments in Hilarious Monologue

Los Angeles, March 16, 2026 – The 98th Academy Awards kicked off with a wave of laughter and light-hearted shade as host Conan O’Brien took aim at Best Actor nominee Timothée Chalamet during his opening monologue. The jab referenced Chalamet’s controversial remarks from a February Variety and CNN town hall with Matthew McConaughey, where the actor suggested ballet and opera are declining art forms that “no one cares about anymore.”

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The discourse reignited when clips resurfaced from the University of Texas event. Asked about audiences’ interest in slower-paced films, Chalamet said he admired efforts to preserve movie theaters but added, “I don’t want to be working in ballet or opera where it’s like, ‘Hey! Keep this thing alive, even though no one cares about this anymore.’” He laughed, adding, “All respect to the ballet and opera people out there… I just lost 14 cents in viewership.” The quip drew backlash from the arts community, including opera legend Andrea Bocelli and former American Ballet Theatre principal Misty Copeland.

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At the Oscars, O’Brien opened with, “Security is extremely tight tonight. I’m told there are concerns about attacks from both the opera and ballet community.” He then turned to Chalamet, seated in the front row with girlfriend Kylie Jenner, and deadpanned, “They’re just mad you left out jazz.” The camera caught the couple laughing good-naturedly as the audience erupted.

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Chalamet, 30, earned his third Best Actor nomination for Josh Safdie’s Marty Supreme, making him the youngest male to achieve three acting nods since Marlon Brando in 1954. Following nominations for Call Me by Your Name (2018) and A Complete Unknown (2025), the nod highlighted his rising status despite the film ultimately going winless among its nine nominations.

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The evening featured a poignant response from the arts world during a performance of the Oscar-nominated song “I Lied to You” from Sinners. Misty Copeland took center stage in a stunning ballet sequence, blending classical dance with the film’s soulful, blues-infused number. Joined by Miles Caton and other cast members, the segment showcased ballet’s enduring power, subtly countering Chalamet’s earlier dismissal. Andrea Bocelli’s involvement added operatic flair to the celebration of diverse art forms.

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Copeland had previously addressed Chalamet’s comments, noting he “wouldn’t be an actor” without influences from opera and ballet, emphasizing their foundational role in cinema. Bocelli reportedly invited Chalamet to a concert, turning tension into potential dialogue.

Social media buzzed with reactions—some praising O’Brien’s quick wit, others defending Chalamet’s point about audience-driven relevance. The moment highlighted Hollywood’s ongoing debate over preserving traditional arts amid evolving entertainment landscapes.

As awards season wrapped, Chalamet’s light-hearted response to the roast underscored his charm, while the performance reminded everyone that ballet and opera remain vibrant forces. In a night of glamour and surprises, Conan’s opener proved the perfect icebreaker.