Conan O’Brien’s ‘Moderately Happy Meal’ Oscars snack box gets trolled online
Photo: Reuters/Instyle
Guests attending the 2026 Academy Awards received a surprise snack package from host Conan O’Brien during the ceremony, but the gesture later sparked mixed reactions online.
The comedian distributed what he jokingly called a “Moderately Happy Meal” to attendees inside the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles during the broadcast. Each guest was given a small snack box containing popcorn, a bottle of water and a pack of Raisinets.
The packages also included a handwritten note from O’Brien accompanied by a small self-portrait doodle drawn by the host. In the note, O’Brien referenced the cost of concessions at cinemas.
“These snacks may not look like much, but in any movie theatre they would run you $85,” he wrote.
O’Brien also encouraged the audience to respond enthusiastically during the live broadcast. “Remember that loud, enthusiastic laughter is good for your health and my ego.”
A video showing the contents of the snack box quickly circulated online after the ceremony, prompting a wide range of reactions from viewers.
A look at the #Oscars snack box.
(🎥: @InStyle / Justine Manocherian) pic.twitter.com/veWeLYRDVhSome users criticised the idea and described the snack selection as underwhelming for a high-profile awards ceremony. One commenter wrote that the gesture was “embarrassing”, while others compared the offering to food served in other settings.
“Bro Delta gives Shake Shack burgers now so we can say Delta is feeding their passengers better than the Oscars,” one user wrote. Another suggested: “they should turn it into a potluck next year.”
The moment added to the lighter segments of the broadcast, which featured several comedic elements during O’Brien’s hosting duties.
Away from the onstage jokes, the ceremony recognised several major achievements in film. One Battle After Another emerged as the night’s most awarded film, winning Best Picture and six awards overall, including Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay for Paul Thomas Anderson. Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor for Sinners, which also secured four Oscars during the ceremony.