The 98th Academy Awards are set to be a milestone event, featuring the introduction of the first-ever competitive award for Casting. This new category reflects the Academy’s ongoing commitment to recognizing all facets of the filmmaking process. Host Conan O’Brien will lead the ceremony, bringing his signature humor to a night dedicated to the year’s best cinematic achievements.
Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor has seen the Oscars from every angle, which has helped her craft a vision for a more intimate show. She notes that this year’s production design will offer a warmer feel, marking a departure from the traditional look of the ceremony. The goal is to create an atmosphere that honors the “brave and bold” stories being told in film today.
A significant portion of the broadcast will be dedicated to the “In Memoriam” segment, honoring icons such as Robert Duvall and Malcolm-Jamal Warner. While the show will feature a moving televised tribute, a more comprehensive list will be available online for fans to view. The Academy is dedicated to ensuring that every contributor to the craft is remembered with dignity.
Viewership for the Oscars has been steadily recovering, with nearly 20 million people tuning in for the 2025 ceremony. This success is attributed to the show’s availability on streaming platforms like Hulu and its engagement with younger audiences through digital stars. The 18-to-49 demographic remains a key focus for the Academy as it plans for future broadcasts.
By 2029, the Oscars will make the historic move from broadcast television to YouTube. This transition is part of a plan to turn the Academy into a global hub for cinema that is accessible year-round. From the SciTech Awards to museum content, the new digital platform will offer a wealth of information for film enthusiasts around the world.