The 98th Academy Awards are set to be a night of celebration and deep emotional resonance, with Conan O’Brien returning as host for what promises to be a spectacular show. Academy leaders are focused on balancing tradition with a new, digital-first approach that has already seen ratings tick up over the last two years. The ceremony will feature the debut of the Achievement in Casting award.
Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor views the 2026 Oscars as a natural transition for her role, having seen the show from many different vantage points. she describes this year’s nominated films as exceptionally “brave and bold,” providing a unique narrative for the broadcast. Her goal is to create a show that feels intimate and warm, reflecting the quality of the year’s films on March 15.
One of the most anticipated segments is the In Memoriam, which will honor beloved figures such as Robert Redford, Diane Keaton, and Rob Reiner. Academy CEO Bill Kramer has promised a tribute that is “robust and beautiful,” offering a moving experience for everyone watching. Producers are keeping the specifics of the segment under wraps, adding to the sense of anticipation.
The Academy has successfully reached a younger audience by making the show available to stream on Hulu and partnering with digital influencers. This strategy resulted in 19.7 million viewers in 2025, with a notable increase among the 18-to-49 demographic. By embracing new ways of watching, the Oscars are successfully expanding their cultural reach and impact.
Looking ahead, the Academy is preparing for its 100th anniversary and a permanent move to YouTube in 2029. This transition will turn the Oscars into a year-round digital hub for cinema, offering everything from museum programs to digitized collections. The move is designed to expand the Academy’s reach and impact on a truly global scale through Google Arts and Culture.