Conan O'Brien got the 98th Academy Awards rolling last night with his signature blend of energy and humor, kicking off the ceremony with a high-energy sprint through this year's nominees set to the Beastie Boys' "Sabotage." The longtime comedian and talk show host even showed up dressed as Amy Madigan's character from the film "Weapons," bringing his trademark irreverence to Hollywood's biggest night. But beyond the laughs, O'Brien struck a more serious note early in the show, making a heartfelt plea to the audience about the importance of optimism in today's world. He called it "that rarest of qualities today," setting a tone that mixed entertainment with reflection on the current state of things. The first awards of the evening went to Amy Madigan and the film "KPop Demon Hunters," though the ceremony was just getting started when this report was filed. O'Brien's hosting style seemed to hit the right balance between keeping things light and acknowledging the weightier moments that make the Oscars more than just a glitzy awards show. For those following along from the Outer Banks, it looks like this year's ceremony is shaping up to be one that blends the spectacle we expect with some genuine moments of substance.