Conan O’Brien and the New Frontier of the 98th Academy Awards

The 98th Academy Awards are set to be a night of celebration and innovation, 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, marking a historic moment for the industry.
Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor views the 98th 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,” ranging from large commercial productions to small, independent stories. Her goal is to create a show that honors these diverse voices while staying within a three-and-a-half-hour runtime.
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 “robust and beautiful” tribute that will be deeply moving for audiences. Producers are keeping the specifics of the segment under wraps, adding to the sense of anticipation for the live broadcast.
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 ensuring they remain a vital part of the cultural conversation.
The move to YouTube in 2029 marks a significant shift in the Academy’s global strategy, aiming to reach more audiences around the world. This transition will create a year-round hub for cinema that includes museum programming and digitized historical archives. The 98th and 99th Oscars are important stepping stones toward this bold new era of digital distribution.