The 98th Academy Awards will serve as a powerful reminder of the industry’s resilience and its ability to honor its own. With Conan O’Brien at the helm, the ceremony will pay special attention to the “In Memoriam” segment, which features an unusually high number of legendary names. Figures like Robert Redford, Diane Keaton, and Rob Reiner represent an era of cinema that defined modern Hollywood.
Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor has described her first year in the role as a “natural transition” given her extensive history with the organization. She is particularly proud of the “quality and bravery” of this year’s nominees, which include both massive commercial hits and bold independent films. Taylor believes that the movies themselves are the true stars of the show, providing the emotional weight of the evening.
A significant highlight of the night will be the first-ever competitive Casting award, a move that has been widely praised by industry guilds. Films like Sinners and One Battle After Another are expected to lead the conversation in this new category. Producers are treating the debut of this award as a “gorgeous moment” intended to educate the public on the importance of casting.
Ratings for the Oscars have recovered significantly since 2021, with last year’s broadcast reaching 19.7 million viewers. This growth is largely credited to the Academy’s willingness to “meet the moment” and adapt to streaming trends. By offering a live feed on Hulu and collaborating with internet stars, the Oscars have successfully expanded their global footprint.
The 2029 move to YouTube is the centerpiece of the Academy’s vision for the next century of film. This transition will transform the Oscars into a year-round “hub for cinema,” offering access to museum exhibits and historical collections. CEO Bill Kramer sees this as a vital step in becoming a truly global organization that inspires the next generation of filmmakers.