The 98th Academy Awards will be hosted by Conan O’Brien, bringing a mix of humor and prestige to Hollywood’s biggest night. The show is being designed to balance the excitement of competition with the emotional weight of honoring those the industry has lost. Academy CEO Bill Kramer and President Lynette Howell Taylor are focused on creating a “spectacular” experience for a global audience.
This year’s ceremony will feature a new award for Casting, a long-overdue recognition of the directors who find the perfect talent for every film. This addition is part of the Academy’s effort to keep the show “dynamic” and representative of the entire filmmaking process. Films like One Battle After Another are expected to be featured prominently during this new segment.
The “In Memoriam” tribute will be a “very, very moving” part of the broadcast, honoring legends such as Diane Keaton and Robert Redford. While the televised segment will be robust, an extended version will be available online to ensure no one is overlooked. This focus on legacy is a cornerstone of the Academy’s mission to celebrate the history of film.
The Oscars’ ratings have seen a steady recovery, driven by a surge in interest from younger viewers on streaming platforms like Hulu. The 18-to-49 demographic has become a key part of the show’s audience, watching on laptops and mobile devices more than ever before. This shift has been encouraged by the Academy’s proactive use of social media and digital influencers.
The 2029 move to YouTube will mark a new chapter for the Academy, making the Oscars a truly global and accessible event. This transition will coincide with the creation of a digital “hub for cinema,” offering access to museum programming and digitized archives. The 98th and 99th ceremonies will serve as vital preparations for this bold, digital future.