The 98th Oscars: A Global Celebration of Film and Legacy

The 98th Academy Awards are set to be a global spectacle, celebrating the best of cinema while looking toward a digital future. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the ceremony will honor the achievements of films like Sinners and One Battle After Another in a show that aims for emotional connection and intimacy. Academy leaders are focused on delivering a broadcast that honors the past while embracing the new ways audiences consume media.
President Lynette Howell Taylor’s experience as a nominee and producer has been instrumental in shaping the 2026 show. 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 remains dynamic and avoids any last-minute panics.
One of the most emotional moments of the night will be the In Memoriam segment, honoring legendary figures such as James Van Der Beek and Claudia Cardinale. Academy CEO Bill Kramer has promised a “robust and beautiful” tribute, with rumors of surprise reunions adding to the buzz. The segment is a key part of the show’s goal to honor the people in the room and those who paved the way.
Ratings for the Oscars have improved recently, hitting 19.7 million viewers in 2025, thanks to a “big lift” among younger audiences. By partnering with influencers like Amelia Dimoldenberg, the Academy has found a way to be “Academy appropriate” while remaining modern. This success among the 18-to-49 demographic is a positive sign for the future of the awards show.
The 2029 move to YouTube signals the Academy’s desire to become a more global organization with year-round engagement. This shift will make the Oscars more accessible than ever and provide a platform for museum programming and digitized collections. The 100th ceremony in 2028 will serve as a bridge to this new era of digital distribution and global film appreciation.