Ricky Gervais has bluntly ruled out hosting the Academy Awards.

The 64-year-old comedian - who helmed the Golden Globes five times, in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2016 and 2020 - had a clear response after a fan shared a post calling on fans to retweet if they wished the After Life star was hosting last night's (15.03.26) Oscars ceremony.

Ricky quote reposted with a crying laughing emoji and quipped: "F*** that!"

He often ridiculed celebrities when he hosted the Golden Globes, something that he describes as the "most nerve-wracking" thing he has ever done.

The Office star previously said: "It's the most nerve-wracking thing I've ever done. It's the only time I ever get an adrenaline rush or get nervous about stuff because I get one shot at it.

"It's like taking a penalty. I've just got to score. All I care about it, 'I've got to do that joke well. I don't care what they think of it. I don't care if I'm hated. I don't care if I have to go into hiding. I just have to say that joke well.'

"If I fluffed the joke - oh my god, I'd never get over it."

Late night icon Conan O'Brien was the host for the second year in a row, and he couldn't resist a dig at Timothee Chalamet's ballet and opera controversy in his opening monologue.

He quipped: "Security is very tight tonight.

"There's concerns about attacks from the ballet and opera communities.

"They're just mad you left out jazz."

The camera cut to Timothee and his girlfriend Kylie Jenner, and he was seen laughing at the jibe.

Also in his monologue, the host warned the evening "could get political".

He joked: "I should warn you tonight could get political. Okay? And if that makes you uncomfortable, there's an alternate Oscars being hosted by Kid Rock. It's at the Dave and Buster's down the street."

Conan also appeared to joke about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, and the Epstein files as he noted there were no British stars nominated for Best Actor or Best Actress.

He said: "A British spokesperson said: 'Yeah but at least we arrest our paedophiles...'"

He also mocked Netflix boss Ted Sarandos, joking his attendance at the ceremony in Los Angeles' Dolby Theatre was his "first time" inside a theatre.

Impersonating Ted, he asked: "Why are they all together enjoying themselves? They should be home alone, where I can monetise it."

Towards the end of his monologue, the host grew serious as he noted the "chaotic, frightening times" of the modern world.

He said: "Tonight's Oscars are being watched by more than a billion people around the world.

"Tonight is an international event. If I can be serious for just a moment, everyone watching right now around the world is all too aware that these are very chaotic, frightening times. It's at moments like these that I believe that the Oscars are particularly resonant.

"Every film we salute is the product of thousands of people speaking different languages working hard to make something of beauty.

"We pay tribute tonight, not just to film, but to the ideals of global artistry, collaboration, patience, resilience and that rarest of qualities today -- optimism. So let us please celebrate. Not because we think all is well, but because we work and hope for better."