Some of the jokes Conan O’Brien delivered at the 98th Academy Awards were considered fairly edgy, leading many viewers to expect that Donald Trump would eventually be mentioned during the ceremony.

However, the Oscars host chose not to make any direct jokes about the president.

“Hosting this show is a delicate balance,” O’Brien said during a virtual press conference on Wednesday (March 11), as reported by the New York Post.

“We’re here to celebrate films and the people who make them, but the humor needs to land without turning into anger or heavy political commentary.”

In a recent appearance on The New Yorker Radio Hour, O’Brien also suggested that Trump is “bad for comedy.”

He explained that when comedians rely on anger instead of wit, the jokes tend not to work as well.

Although he avoided naming Trump during the Oscars, O’Brien still made light references to the MAGA movement and its alternative Super Bowl halftime event from the previous month.

“I should warn you,” he joked, “tonight could get a little political. And if that makes you uncomfortable, there’s another Oscars hosted by Kid Rock at the Dave & Buster’s down the street.”

He also referenced Trump’s proposal to rename the Kennedy Center the “Trump Kennedy Center,” a move currently facing legal challenges.

During his opening monologue, O’Brien quipped: “We’re broadcasting live tonight from the ‘Has A Small Penis Theater.’”

He then added, “Let’s see him try putting his name in front of that.”

Some of the most controversial moments in Oscar history

Hattie McDaniel’s historic win and segregated seating (1940)

Although it took place decades ago, this moment remains significant, especially in light of more recent discussions such as #OscarsSoWhite.

Hattie McDaniel became the first Black woman to win an Oscar for her supporting role in Gone with the Wind. Despite this achievement, she was required to sit separately from her white co-stars during the ceremony.

Even so, McDaniel delivered an emotional speech, saying:
“My heart is too full to tell you just how I feel.”

The temporary ban on political speeches (1993)

In 1993, the Academy attempted to restrict political statements during acceptance speeches. Actors Tim Robbins, Richard Gere, and Susan Sarandon openly defied this rule.

As a result, they were temporarily banned from attending the ceremony. Robbins and Sarandon returned after a few years, while Gere remained largely absent until a brief appearance in 2013.

Marlon Brando refusing his Oscar (1973)

After winning Best Actor for The Godfather, Marlon Brando chose not to attend the ceremony. Instead, he sent activist Sacheen Littlefeather in his place.

She explained that Brando declined the award in protest of Hollywood’s treatment of Native Americans and in response to events at Wounded Knee in South Dakota.

Her appearance was met with mixed reactions, including boos from parts of the audience.

Sacha Baron Cohen spilling “ashes” on the red carpet (2012)

Sacha Baron Cohen, known for his provocative style, created controversy at the Oscars while promoting The Dictator.

Dressed as his character Admiral Aladeen, he carried an urn he claimed contained the ashes of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il. During a red carpet interview, he spilled the contents onto host Ryan Seacrest.

The stunt surprised both viewers and attendees.

The #OscarsSoWhite movement (2015–2016)

In 2015, the Academy faced widespread criticism after no Black actors, directors, or producers were nominated for Oscars.

This led to the viral #OscarsSoWhite movement, prompting several prominent figures in Hollywood to boycott the 2016 ceremony.

Host Chris Rock addressed the controversy in his monologue, joking that if hosts were nominated, he likely wouldn’t have been selected.

The Best Picture mix-up: La La Land vs. Moonlight (2017)

The 2017 ceremony ended in confusion when presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway mistakenly announced La La Land as Best Picture.

Shortly afterward, it was revealed that the actual winner was Moonlight.

“There’s a mistake,” producer Jordan Horowitz said. “Moonlight, you guys won Best Picture. This is not a joke.”

Director Barry Jenkins later remarked that he had never seen anything like it.

The infamous slap (2022)

One of the most shocking moments in Oscars history occurred when Will Smith walked on stage and struck presenter Chris Rock.

Rock had made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head, referencing G.I. Jane, despite her public struggle with alopecia.

After the incident, Smith shouted:
“Keep my wife’s name out of your f**king mouth.”

Later that same evening, Smith returned to the stage to accept the Best Actor award.