The 98th Academy Awards will feature a fresh aesthetic, with organizers promising a “departure” in production design that emphasizes warmth and intimacy. This new direction is intended to make the massive event feel more personal, reflecting the “brave” nature of this year’s top films. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the ceremony will celebrate a year of cinema that Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor calls “spectacular.”
Lynette Howell Taylor’s journey to the presidency has been a natural transition, having served as a producer, nominee, and awards chair. She believes that every year is different and that the current set of movies offers a brave and bold storytelling style that will resonate with viewers. Her collaboration with CEO Bill Kramer has ensured that the show stays within its three-and-a-half-hour target.
One of the most emotional moments of the night will be the In Memoriam segment, honoring legendary figures like Robert Redford, Diane Keaton, and Rob Reiner. Producers have spent months planning this tribute to ensure it is “robust and very moving” for the home audience. An extended version will be available online to ensure all contributors to the craft are remembered with dignity.
The Academy’s recent ratings success—reaching nearly 20 million viewers in 2025—is a direct result of its digital-first strategy. By making the show available live on Hulu and engaging with younger demographics through mobile platforms, the Oscars have found new life. This approach has allowed the organization to grow its audience while maintaining its “Academy appropriate” standards of prestige.
The long-term roadmap for the Academy includes a historic move to YouTube in 2029, ending its era on traditional broadcast television. This transition is intended to expand the Oscars’ reach to a truly global audience and provide a platform for year-round cinematic content. The Academy’s archives will also be digitized for public access as part of this digital-first initiative.