Conan O’Brien Surprises at the 2026 Oscars by Speaking Spanish and Sending a Nod to the Latino Community

Conan O’Brien Speaks Spanish

Message to Latinos

Optimism in Chaotic Times

The 98th Academy Awards ceremony began with an unexpected message that connected with millions of Spanish-speaking viewers.

Comedian Conan O’Brien, who hosted the gala, opened the night with a reflective and optimistic tone amid a complex global context.

From the stage, the presenter acknowledged that audiences around the world are going through difficult times.

“Tonight’s event is international, but if I can be serious for a moment, the people watching us around the world are aware that we are living in very chaotic and dark times,” he said.

Conan O’Brien’s Call for Optimism

Conan O’Brien Speaks Spanish at the Oscars-Photo: EFE Agency

O’Brien emphasized that, precisely because of that context, the ceremony carried a special meaning.

He noted that the gala includes representation from 31 countries and that the nominated films reflect cultural and linguistic diversity.

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“Tonight we pay tribute not only to movies, but also to the ideals of art, collaboration, patience, strength, and one of the rarest qualities these days: optimism,” he told the theater audience.

His words set a different tone for the opening—more emotional than comedic—while still maintaining his characteristic style.

The Spanish Greeting That Ignited Social Media

Minutes later, the host shifted the tone and moved into a lighter moment.

“Tonight’s Oscars are being watched by more than a billion people around the world. Let’s say hello to some of them,” he announced.

While referring to Argentina, he surprised viewers by speaking directly in Spanish: “Hola, soy Conan O’Brien y es un placer darle la bienvenida a los Oscar.”

He repeated the gesture with Spain and also with Los Angeles, highlighting the presence of millions of Spanish speakers in California.

The moment quickly became one of the highlights of Conan O’Brien speaking Spanish at the Oscars, drawing strong reactions online.

Immediate Reactions From the Audience

The mention of Argentina did not go unnoticed among viewers.

On social media, comments quickly multiplied celebrating that the host mentioned the country during Hollywood’s biggest night.

“Only 10 minutes have passed since the Oscars started and Conan O’Brien already mentioned Argentina,” one user wrote.

Another comment that went viral said: “Why was Conan O’Brien mentioning Argentina? Another coronation of glory.”

A Gesture With Global Meaning

The Spanish-language nod reinforced the international character of the ceremony.

In an industry where English typically dominates the stage, the gesture was interpreted as recognition of the Latino community.

The combination of humor, reflection, and cultural diversity defined the opening of the gala.

Beyond the awards themselves, the bilingual greeting from Conan O’Brien at the Oscars became one of the most talked-about moments of the night.

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Una publicación compartida por Fotogramas (@fotogramas_es)