Intimacy and Emotion: Inside the 98th Academy Awards Preparation

The 98th Academy Awards will feature a new production aesthetic characterized by warmth and a sense of intimacy. Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor has worked closely with an Emmy-winning design team to create a “departure” from the grandiosity of previous years. Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the show aims to celebrate the year’s “brave and bold” cinema in a way that feels personal and emotionally connecting.
Lynette Howell Taylor’s background as a producer and board governor has prepared her well for her first year as Academy President. She notes that the 2026 show will have a unique feel driven by the diverse quality of the nominated films. Her focus is on balancing the need to honor industry professionals with the goal of providing an entertaining three-and-a-half-hour show for home viewers.
The “In Memoriam” tribute is expected to be a major highlight of the night, honoring the legacy of legends like Robert Duvall and Val Kilmer. Bill Kramer, the Academy CEO, has stated that the segment will be “robust and very, very moving,” providing a fitting farewell to those who shaped the film world. A comprehensive online version will also be available for those who want to see more.
Ratings for the Oscars have shown a positive trend, growing to 19.7 million in 2025, with a significant increase in engagement from younger viewers. The Academy’s focus on mobile streaming and digital influencer partnerships has helped the show stay relevant in a competitive media market. This shift toward a younger audience is a key part of the organization’s strategy for future growth.
Beyond the 98th ceremony, the Academy is already planning for its 100th anniversary and a permanent move to YouTube in 2029. This transition will turn the Oscars into a year-round digital hub for cinema, offering everything from SciTech Awards to museum content. By digitizing their collections for public access, the Academy is opening its doors to film lovers worldwide.