Some of the jokes Conan O’Brien delivered at the 98th Academy Awards were fairly edgy, so many viewers expected Donald Trump’s name to eventually be mentioned during the ceremony.

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

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

“We’re here to celebrate films and the talented people who create them, but the humor has to work without turning into anger or heavy politics.”

In a recent interview on The New Yorker Radio Hour, the television personality also suggested that Trump is “bad for comedy.”

“When comedians perform out of anger instead of being clever, the jokes usually fall flat,” he said.

Although O’Brien avoided mentioning Trump by name at the Oscars, he did poke fun at the MAGA movement and its alternative Super Bowl halftime event last month.

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

O’Brien also joked about Trump’s proposal to rename the Kennedy Center the “Trump Kennedy Center,” a move that is currently being challenged in court.

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

He added jokingly, “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 but segregated seating (1940)
Although this event happened decades ago, it remains relevant, especially considering discussions like #OscarsSoWhite just over a decade ago.

Hattie McDaniel became the first Black woman to win an Oscar for her supporting role in Gone with the Wind. Despite making history, she was forced to sit at a separate table away from her white co-stars during the ceremony.

Even so, McDaniel delivered a heartfelt 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 limit political statements during acceptance speeches. However, actors Tim Robbins, Richard Gere, and Susan Sarandon openly defied the rule.

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

Marlon Brando refusing his Oscar (1973)

When Marlon Brando won Best Actor for The Godfather, he declined to attend the ceremony. Instead, he sent activist Sacheen Littlefeather to the stage.

She explained that Brando was protesting Hollywood’s portrayal of Native Americans and ongoing protests at Wounded Knee in South Dakota.

Littlefeather’s appearance was met with hostility, and parts of the audience even booed her during the speech.

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

Known for his provocative humor, Sacha Baron Cohen caused a stir at the Oscars while promoting The Dictator.

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

The stunt shocked many viewers and guests alike.

The #OscarsSoWhite movement (2015–2016)

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

The controversy sparked the #OscarsSoWhite movement, which gained widespread attention online and led several prominent figures in Hollywood to boycott the 2016 ceremony.

Host Chris Rock addressed the issue in his monologue, joking that if the host category had nominations, he probably wouldn’t have been chosen.

The Best Picture mix-up: La La Land vs. Moonlight (2017)
The 2017 Oscars ended in confusion when presenters Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway mistakenly announced La La Land as Best Picture.

Moments later, producers revealed the real 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 said he had never witnessed anything like it.

The infamous sla:p (2022)

One of the most shocking Oscar moments happened when Will Smith walked onto the stage and slapped presenter Chris Rock.

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

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

The tension didn’t end there—later that night Smith returned to the stage to accept the Best Actor award.