The Academy Awards kicked off with sharp humor this year as host Conan O’Brien delivered a series of bold jokes during the opening of the ceremony. Among his targets was Donald Trump, drawing laughter and surprise from the audience. Known for his quick wit and irreverent comedy style, O’Brien wasted little time before bringing political satire to Hollywood’s biggest night.

The Oscars, organized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, are one of the most prestigious honors in the film industry. Established in 1927, the awards recognize excellence across categories such as Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Actress. The first ceremony took place in 1929, and today the event is broadcast worldwide, attracting millions of viewers eager to see which films and performers take home the iconic golden statuettes.

Before the ceremony, O’Brien told ABC News correspondent Lara Spencer in an interview on Good Morning America that he was excited but prepared for surprises. “I’m chill, because we’ve been working really hard. We have a lot of fun ideas,” he said, adding that live television always carries unpredictability. He noted that the team keeps refining the show right up until it begins, describing the final hours as a “running battle” to make sure everything works.

O’Brien’s monologue quickly proved that the night would not avoid controversy. Early in the show, he referenced Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Later, after the Best Supporting Actress award, he delivered a punchline aimed at Trump while joking about the president’s reported decision to rename the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts after himself. The remark drew strong reactions from the crowd, adding a dose of political edge and drama to an already lively Oscars night.READ MORE BELOW