Conan O'Brien's quip during the 2026 Oscars opening monologue has ignited debate, as he highlighted the absence of British actors in the best actor and best actress categories for the first time since 2012.
The comedian remarked that a fictional British spokesperson retorted with a biting defence involving the arrest of paedophiles, an apparent nod to former Prince Andrew's recent detention linked to the Jeffrey Epstein affair. Delivered at the 98th Academy Awards on 15 March, the joke drew a mix of laughter and audible surprise from the Dolby Theatre audience.
