Conan O’Brien concluded his hosting of the 98th Academy Awards with a tribute to friend Martin Short. The shout-out came amid Short’s recent personal tragedies, including the death of his daughter. O’Brien said, “We love you, Marty Short. Good night.”
Conan O’Brien signed off as host of the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre with a heartfelt tribute to longtime friend Martin Short. “It’s been an honor and a joy,” O’Brien said of his second time hosting the ceremony, which aired live on ABC and Hulu. “We love you, Marty Short. Good night.” He shouted, “We Love You Martin Short!” from the stage, according to reports from Deadline and Variety, published hours after the event on March 16, 2026 UTC time stamps around 03:18 and 02:57 respectively. The gesture followed the death of Short’s daughter, Katherine Hartley Short—also referred to as Katherine Elizabeth Short—less than a month prior. She died by suicide at her Los Angeles home at age 42, with Variety specifying a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Short and his family issued a statement via his representative: “It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short. The Short family is devastated by this loss and asks for privacy at this time. Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.” Short also recently mourned the loss of his SCTV co-star Catherine O’Hara, who died in January 2026. In response, Short postponed dates for his comedy tour “The Best of Steve Martin & Martin Short” with Steve Martin. Martin’s website lists dates resuming in April, though resumption remains unclear. O’Brien and Short have a long history, including Short’s appearances on O’Brien’s podcast Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend and Late Night With Conan O’Brien.