Los Angeles, March 16 -- Comedian and host Conan O'Brien ended the Academy Awards 2026 ceremony with a heartfelt message for his longtime friend Martin Short, whose daughter died last month, according to E! News.

As he wrapped up the ceremony held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 15, O'Brien gave a brief but emotional shoutout to the veteran comedian.

"It's been an honor and a joy," O'Brien said while signing off from the stage. "We love you, Marty Short, good night," according to E! News.

The message came weeks after Short's daughter, Katherine Hartley Short, died by suicide on February 23 at the age of 42, according to E! News.

Confirming the tragic news at the time, a representative for Short said in a statement that th...