The 98th Academy Awards, held on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, featured a memorable and unexpectedly humorous pre-show segment delivered by British actor and comedian Matt Berry. Known for his distinctive voice work in shows like “What We Do in the Shadows,” “The Mighty Boosh,” and “The IT Crowd,” Berry’s sardonic wit and deadpan delivery quickly went viral on social media, injecting a dose of playful cynicism into the typically polished awards ceremony. His performance, while not broadcast on the live television feed, resonated with attendees and quickly spread online, becoming a talking point of the evening.
Berry’s role extended beyond a simple introduction; he was tasked with setting the tone for the evening under the direction of host Conan O’Brien. He narrated a comedic daydream sequence during O’Brien’s opening monologue, imagining O’Brien as an Oscar winner, proclaiming “And the winner is Conan O’Brien!” before a costumed O’Brien triumphantly took the stage. This playful interaction highlighted the collaborative spirit between the host and the announcer, establishing a lighthearted atmosphere for the awards show. The pairing of O’Brien, known for his self-deprecating humor, and Berry, celebrated for his uniquely comedic timing, proved to be a winning combination, generating buzz even before the awards were presented.
A Comedic Roast of Hollywood’s Elite
Beyond the opening sequence, Berry’s pre-show address took a decidedly cheeky turn, directly addressing the assembled nominees and attendees. According to reports, Berry congratulated the nominees but quickly followed with a wry observation that only “one out of every five nominees” would actually identify the night meaningful. This self-aware jab at the competitive nature of the awards season was delivered with Berry’s signature dry wit, acknowledging the reality that for most attendees, the evening would be a glamorous but ultimately unrewarding experience.
He didn’t stop there. Berry playfully poked fun at the audience’s appearance, noting, “You all look fantastic, except of course for those of you who overdid it…We all understand exactly who you are tonight.” This pointed remark, delivered with a knowing smirk, underscored the often-artificial nature of Hollywood glamour. He continued with another tongue-in-cheek observation, advising attendees to “Sit back and act like you’re having a great time,” adding, “You work in Hollywood – your whole life is a lie.” This bold statement, while humorous, touched upon the perceived superficiality and constructed realities within the entertainment industry.
Berry also offered a humorous warning to potential winners regarding acceptance speeches. He cautioned that if the orchestra began to play while someone was still speaking, it was a clear signal that their speech had overstayed its welcome, describing the orchestral cue as a “musical middle finger.” This playful admonition served as a lighthearted reminder of the time constraints and the need for brevity during the broadcast. The segment, shared widely on social media platforms like Instagram, quickly gained traction, with users praising Berry’s comedic timing and fearless delivery.
Beyond the Oscars: A Versatile Performer
Matt Berry’s comedic talents extend far beyond the Oscars stage. He is perhaps best known for his role as Laszlo Cravensworth in the FX comedy series “What We Do in the Shadows,” where his distinctive voice and eccentric portrayal of a centuries-old vampire have garnered critical acclaim. He also gained recognition for his work in British comedy series such as “The Mighty Boosh” and “The IT Crowd,” showcasing his versatility as a performer. Beyond television, Berry is a prolific voice actor, lending his talents to numerous commercials, including the memorable “Prove Pain Wrong” Advil campaign, which debuted in 2020. Conan O’Brien himself praised Berry as “a delightful person and clearly a genius,” highlighting the widespread appreciation for his comedic abilities.
A Musical Side Hustle
While primarily recognized for his acting and voice work, Berry also maintains a successful career as a musician. He has released 11 albums since 2005, showcasing his eclectic musical style, which blends elements of jazz, psychedelic rock, and vintage lounge music. His musical endeavors demonstrate a breadth of artistic talent that extends beyond his comedic roles. Notably, Berry recently surprised audiences by joining Queens of the Stone Age on tour in October 2025, performing on the organ at their London Royal Albert Hall show. NME reported on this unexpected collaboration, further solidifying Berry’s reputation as a versatile and unpredictable performer. He also made a surprise appearance with the band Tennis in Kentish Town in October 2025.
The 98th Academy Awards: A Night of Triumphs
The 98th Academy Awards saw significant wins for several films. “One Battle After Another,” directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, emerged as the night’s biggest winner, securing six awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay. Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” also received considerable recognition, taking home four awards, including Best Original Screenplay. Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history as the first woman to win Best Cinematography for her work on “Sinners,” a landmark achievement for female representation in the film industry. Michael B. Jordan’s performance in “Sinners” earned him the Best Actor award for his portrayal of the Smokestack twins. His acceptance speech included a poignant acknowledgment of previous Black actors who had received the same honor – Sidney Poitier, Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx, Forest Whitaker, and Will Smith – as well as Halle Berry, the first and, until now, only Black woman to win the award.
While some films enjoyed significant success, others went home empty-handed. Timothée Chalamet’s “Marty Supreme” did not secure any awards despite high expectations. Sean Penn, however, added to his accolades, winning his third Oscar for his role in “One Battle After Another,” joining a distinguished group of actors including Meryl Streep, Jack Nicholson, Daniel Day-Lewis, Frances McDormand, Walter Brennan, and Ingrid Bergman who have also achieved this feat. A complete list of the 2026 Oscar winners is available on NME’s website.
Matt Berry’s performance at the Oscars served as a memorable highlight of the evening, demonstrating his ability to inject humor and wit into even the most formal of events. His unique comedic style and versatile talent continue to captivate audiences across various platforms, solidifying his position as a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. The Academy Awards ceremony concluded, leaving audiences anticipating the next chapter in the world of film and the continued contributions of talented artists like Berry.
The entertainment industry will continue to evolve, and the 99th Academy Awards are already on the horizon. Stay tuned to World Today Journal for ongoing coverage of the entertainment industry and future awards season developments. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on Matt Berry’s performance and the 98th Academy Awards in the comments below.
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