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By Lydia Patrick
Life & Trends Reporter
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What Oscars host Conan O’Brien left for each attendee has sparked curiosity online.
The comedian, 62, delivered a theatrical and comical performance on Hollywood’s biggest night at the Dolby Theatre, complete with gasp‑worthy gags and pointed political remarks. Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another dominated the ceremony, winning Best Picture alongside five other awards, including Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay for Anderson.
Ryan Coogler’s Sinners also emerged as a major contender, taking home four Oscars, including Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan. The film’s cinematographer, Autumn Durald Arkapaw, made history as the first woman to win Best Cinematography.
Read More on Entertainment
The Best Actor race proved tense, with Jordan beating Timothée Chalamet, the lead of Marty Supreme. The table‑tennis drama had entered the night with nine nominations but ultimately went home empty-handed.
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But, beyond the humor and headline wins, attendees received another surprise waiting for them at their seats: a handwritten note from the host himself.
Deadline shared a photo of the note on Threads. It read: "Dear Nominee/Plus One / Seat -Filler -
"Welcome to THE OSCARs! I hope you enjoy this Conan O'Brien 'Moderately Happy Meal™ These snacks may not look like much but in any movie theater they would run you $85."
O’Brien continued: "Good luck tonight, have fun, and remember that loud, enthusiastic laughter is good for your health and my ego."
He signed off with his signature alongside a hand‑drawn cartoon of himself wearing an Oscar‑night tuxedo and bow tie.
Many praised the personal touch and sweetness of the letter, while others were left with lingering questions.
"Conan is such a treasure," shared one user.
"Class act," said Ann. "Classy move," added Betsy.
Others, however, wanted details. "But what were the snacks??????" asked Orla Nugent.
"What's in the "Moderately Happy Meal?" asked Therese Bagsit.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the box included popcorn, bottled water and mints. Guests could also pick up trail mix in the lobby—a snack blend typically made of nuts, dried fruit and sometimes chocolate, commonly associated with hiking and quick energy.
Pop Crave later shared a clip from Justine Manocherian, a video producer at InStyle, opening her snack box. Inside, she revealed a bottle of water, popcorn and chocolate raisins.
Not everyone was impressed. "Aside the cute note, the box content looks too basic for a big event as the oscars. they should do better next time," wrote one user on X.
"I cannot believe this…looks like something I threw in a bag for my kids school lunch," added Vanessa Rox.
Another user offered a different perspective. Ty wrote: "All the people invited are rich. They can buy their own food, so why would they hand out 5 star catering?"
Snacks have quietly become an Oscars tradition. When O’Brien hosted last year’s ceremony, guests were given Swedish Fish, a pretzel and water.
In 2024, Jimmy Kimmel recruited Adam Shapiro’s pretzel company to feed the audience.
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