Conan O’Brien stole the show with his stint as the Oscar host. He is a comedian, host, and writer, but he has also dropped facts lately. This was aimed at the Netflix CEO, Ted Sarandos, and clearly, Conan enjoyed every bit of the roast, so this is what happened exactly.
Conan O’Brien’s jibe at the Netflix CEO
Conan O’Brien turned to Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos and pointed at the media’s full coverage and obsession with the latter attending the event. He said, “Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos is here, and this is exciting. It’s his first time in a theater. This is what they’re talking about.”
That’s not the funny part, but the way O’Brien mocked Sarandos as a caricature is. He did his impression of the Netflix CEO, which had everyone rolling. The comedian said, “Why are they together, enjoying themselves? They should be home alone, where I can monetize it.”
Context matters, and so, here it is. The Netflix CEO earlier in February called theater distribution an outmoded idea while speaking to Variety. He said, “Folks grew up thinking, ‘I want to make movies on a gigantic screen and have strangers watch them [and to have them] play in the theater for two months, and people cry, and sell-out shows … It’s an outdated concept.”
He also said that most countryfolk cannot walk up to a multiplex and actually watch a movie. That only a fortunate bunch can do so, provided they live in Manhattan. His manner of integrating films on Netflix was a way of protecting and safeguarding Hollywood, as he reveals in the interview.
To say the least, Sarandos’ roast was welcomed by many netizens who praised Conan for calling out Netflix’s policies.
O’Brien also simultaneously threw shade at the Oscars for omitting the actors’ celebratory speeches. Be it Alexandrea Singh or the KPop Demon Hunters cast, this year too, the celebratory speeches were cut short.
What was apt, though, was O’Brien’s comedic timing, as he did not waste a moment to let it slip by.
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