The 97th Academy Awards were full of glitz, glamour, and unforgettable moments, but one of the most talked-about highlights came courtesy of first-time host Conan O’Brien. Known for his sharp wit and quirky humor, O’Brien brought his signature comedic style to the Oscars stage—and to the seats of every attendee. Continuing a tradition that has become a fan-favorite at awards shows, O’Brien provided snack boxes for the audience, complete with a hilarious handwritten note that perfectly encapsulated his unique charm.
A Snack Box with a Twist
As guests settled into their seats at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, they were greeted by an unexpected surprise: a snack box tucked neatly under each chair. Inside the box was a bottle of water, a soft pretzel with mustard, and Swedish Fish candy. However, it wasn’t just the snacks that caught everyone’s attention—it was the note that accompanied them.
“Dear star/seat filler,” the note began. “I hope you enjoy these complimentary snacks. I tried my best to include a gummy, but Disney said that was a ‘hard pass.’ Have a great night. Conan.” The note also featured a hand-drawn caricature of O’Brien in a tuxedo flashing a peace sign, adding an extra layer of personal flair.
The gesture was quintessential Conan: funny, thoughtful, and slightly self-deprecating. Social media erupted with praise for the host, with many calling it one of the most endearing moments of the night. “Conan’s snack boxes are already iconic,” one user tweeted. Another joked, “Forget the Oscars; I’m here for Conan’s snack diplomacy.”
Humor Meets Hospitality
O’Brien’s snack box stunt wasn’t just about providing sustenance during the lengthy ceremony—it was also a brilliant way to connect with the audience and set the tone for the evening. Known for his years as a late-night talk show host and comedy writer, O’Brien has always had an uncanny ability to make people feel at ease while keeping them laughing.
The inclusion of the note poking fun at Disney’s refusal to allow gummies added an extra layer of humor that resonated with attendees and viewers alike. It was a subtle nod to corporate politics wrapped in lighthearted comedy—a move only someone like Conan could pull off so effortlessly.
A Tradition Revived
While snack boxes at awards shows aren’t new—Jimmy Kimmel famously handed out snacks during his hosting stints—O’Brien managed to put his own spin on the tradition. His approach felt more personal and authentic, reflecting his unique comedic sensibilities.
It’s worth noting that O’Brien’s gesture wasn’t just for Hollywood’s elite; it also extended to seat fillers and behind-the-scenes workers who rarely get such recognition. By addressing everyone equally in his note, he reinforced his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most down-to-earth stars.
A Night Full of Laughs
O’Brien didn’t stop at snacks when it came to entertaining the crowd. His opening monologue was packed with zingers that had everyone in stitches. One standout moment came when he joked about Anora, which swept major awards including Best Picture and Best Actress for Mikey Madison. “Americans are thrilled to see someone finally stand up to a powerful Russian,” he quipped, referencing the film’s storyline while slyly alluding to current geopolitical tensions.
Throughout the evening, O’Brien kept the energy high with his quick wit and playful banter. From riffing on Timothée Chalamet’s bold yellow suit to poking fun at Hollywood’s obsession with sequels and reboots, he proved why he was an inspired choice for this year’s host.
The Internet Reacts
As photos of O’Brien’s snack boxes began circulating online, fans couldn’t get enough. The combination of humor and hospitality struck a chord with viewers who praised him for making the Oscars feel more relatable and fun.
One viral tweet read: “Conan O’Brien is officially my favorite Oscars host ever. Snacks AND jokes? Give this man another hosting gig next year!” Another fan commented, “The gummy joke alone deserves its own award.”
Even celebrities got in on the action, with several posting photos of their snack boxes on social media. Dakota Johnson shared an Instagram story captioned: “Conan gets me.”
What This Means for Future Hosts
O’Brien’s success as Oscars host raises an interesting question: should future hosts follow his lead? By blending humor with thoughtful gestures like snack boxes, he created an experience that felt fresh and engaging without overshadowing the awards themselves.
In an era where awards shows often struggle to maintain relevance and viewership, moments like these remind us why they matter. They’re not just about celebrating achievements in film—they’re about creating shared experiences that bring people together.
Conan O’Brien: A Host Worth Remembering
As the night drew to a close, it was clear that Conan O’Brien had left his mark on the Oscars—not just as a host but as someone who understands how to make people laugh and feel appreciated at the same time.
Whether or not he returns as host next year remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: no one will forget those snack boxes anytime soon. They were more than just pretzels and water; they were a symbol of what makes Conan O’Brien so beloved—a mix of humor, humility, and heart.
In true Conan fashion, he managed to turn something as simple as snacks into one of the most talked-about moments of Hollywood’s biggest night. And for that alone, he deserves all the applause (and maybe even an honorary Oscar).