The 98th Academy Awards closed out the season with a mix of major wins and viral moments, led in part by host Conan O’Brien, who brought his signature humor to the stage at the Dolby Theatre. Throughout the night, he delivered playful jabs at celebrities like Timothée Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio, but one particular joke stood out. In a moment that quickly spread online, O’Brien made a cheeky remark referencing the venue’s name in a way many interpreted as a subtle dig at Donald Trump, without ever mentioning him directly. The audience reacted with loud applause, and social media soon lit up with viewers praising the comedian’s delivery and timing. O’Brien later explained that he aimed to keep the tone balanced—funny and engaging without leaning too heavily into politics.

Beyond the humor, the ceremony celebrated standout achievements in film. One Battle After Another won Best Picture, while Michael B. Jordan took home Best Actor for Sinners, and Jessie Buckley earned Best Actress for Hamnet. Additional honors went to major names like Sean Penn and Amy Madigan, with Paul Thomas Anderson winning Best Director. While the awards recognized excellence across the industry, it was O’Brien’s unexpected joke that became one of the night’s most talked-about highlights—proving once again that a single moment can capture the attention of audiences far beyond the ceremony itself.