The 98th Oscars ceremony officially commenced with Conan O’Brien as the host, who seized the opportunity to reference a recent scandal involving actor Timothée Chalamet. Chalamet had made derogatory comments regarding ballet and opera, which resulted in widespread criticism from the arts community. O’Brien's remarks included a humorous warning about increased security due to concerns about potential backlash from the opera and ballet communities, which resonated with the audience at the Dolby Theater.

The comedic jab at Chalamet not only entertained the attendees but also highlighted the ongoing tensions between different art forms viewed as elitist or traditional versus contemporary cinema. O’Brien's comment elicited a strong reaction in the form of laughter and applause, emphasizing the audience's engagement with both the remark and the underlying controversies surrounding Chalamet’s original statements.

This incident reflects not only the role of comedy in addressing public figures in entertainment but also the cultural expectations placed on actors in the realm of high art. By stirring the pot at such a prestigious event, O’Brien navigated the fine line between humor and critique, showcasing the delicate dynamics between new Hollywood and its traditional artistic counterparts.