Final preparations are underway for the 98th Academy Awards, with Conan O’Brien set to host a show that promises to be both emotionally moving and spectacular. Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor and CEO Bill Kramer are overseeing a production that aims to maintain the ratings momentum seen over the last two years. This year’s show will feature a mix of high-stakes competition and heartfelt tributes to the industry’s best.
Lynette Howell Taylor brings a wealth of experience to her role as President, having previously served as a nominee, producer, and awards chair. she emphasizes that while the core mission of honoring film remains the same, the execution must evolve to meet the specific energy of the year’s nominated movies. Her focus on a “warm and intimate” design marks a significant departure from previous ceremonies.
A major highlight of the night will be the debut of the Casting award, recognizing the essential role casting directors play in bringing cinematic visions to life. Producers are striving to keep the show dynamic, ensuring that it remains under the three-and-a-half-hour target runtime. This new category reflects the Academy’s commitment to recognizing all facets of the filmmaking process in a modern, global way.
Ratings for the Oscars have been ticking up since 2021, reaching 19.7 million viewers in 2025. This growth is largely attributed to a surge in younger audiences engaging through mobile devices and streaming platforms like Hulu. By collaborating with digital creators and ensuring the show is highly shareable, the Academy is successfully navigating the transition away from traditional broadcast television.
Beyond the immediate ceremony, the Academy is preparing for a monumental shift to YouTube in 2029. This transition is part of a broader strategy to create a year-round digital hub for cinema and global arts through Google Arts and Culture. The move is designed to ensure that the Oscars remain a relevant and global celebration of film for future generations of movie lovers around the world.