The 98th Oscars will feature a production design that is a “bit of a departure” from previous years, focusing on a sense of warmth and intimacy. Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor explained that the design is intended to make the massive event feel more personal for both the stars and the viewers. This new look is a reflection of the emotional and “brave” stories found in this year’s nominated films.
Conan O’Brien will host the ceremony, which is aiming for a brisk runtime of three and a half hours on March 15. Despite the inclusion of a new award for Casting, producers are confident that they can maintain a dynamic pace. The focus is on creating a show that “flies by,” much like a well-paced film, keeping the audience’s attention from start to finish at the Dolby Theatre.
The In Memoriam segment will pay tribute to a significant number of industry icons who passed away this year, including Rob Reiner and Diane Keaton. Organizers are promising a “very, very moving” sequence that honors the contributions of these legendary figures. A more comprehensive tribute will be available on the Academy’s digital platforms for fans to explore after the broadcast.
The Oscars’ ratings have shown a positive trend, with 19.7 million viewers recorded during the 2025 broadcast. This growth is especially strong among younger viewers who prefer to watch the show on mobile devices or through streaming services like Hulu. The Academy is leaning into this shift by ensuring the 98th show is optimized for a digital-first, global audience.
Looking forward, the 2029 transition to YouTube will mark a historic change in how the Oscars are distributed globally. This move is part of a plan to turn the Academy into a year-round digital resource for film lovers and students of the craft. The partnership with Google will also allow for the public to engage with the Academy’s historic archives in new and interactive ways.
