Super long Oscars: plenty of lectures, few memorable moments

Conan O’Brien hosted an Oscars that was intermittently funny and at times moving, but much of the night stretched into lectures and monotonous droning. The ceremony also featured the seventh-ever tie in Best Live-Action Short, and an In Memoriam that landed as one of the evening’s most affecting moments.

The In Memoriam honoring Rob Reiner, Robert Redford, Diane Keaton, Catherine O’Hara and Robert Duvall was deeply moving. Conan opened with a send-up of Amy Madigan’s Aunt Gladys from "Weapons," dressed as a clownish witch and chased by killer kids through scenes from the Best Picture nominees; his gags were hit and miss but he remained an affable emcee.

Strong musical performances of Best Song winner "Golden" from "KPop Demon Hunters" and "I Lied to You" from "Sinners" provided welcome lift. Many speeches tilted toward finger-wagging and repetitious politics, with few moments likely to be rewatched.

oscars, conan o'brien, in memoriam, live-action short, best song, golden, sinners, rob reiner, robert redford, amy madigan