As the 98th Academy Awards approach, the organization is navigating a delicate balance between its storied history and a rapidly changing media landscape. With Conan O’Brien hosting, the ceremony aims to preserve the prestige of the Oscars while embracing the humor and pace of modern digital content. The goal is to sustain the ratings growth that has seen nearly 20 million people tune in annually.
Lynette Howell Taylor, serving her first year as Academy President, views the ceremony as a natural extension of her long-standing commitment to the film community. She describes this year’s nominated films as “brave and bold,” ranging from big commercial hits to intimate stories. Taylor believes that the quality of these films provides the emotional fuel needed to keep the audience engaged on March 15.
One of the most talked-about additions to the 98th Oscars is the debut of the Casting category, recognizing the vital role casting directors play in the creative process. Producers are focused on integrating this new honor seamlessly into the show while maintaining a brisk, dynamic pace. This addition reflects a broader industry movement toward recognizing the collaborative nature of filmmaking.
The Academy has successfully reversed the downward trend in ratings by embracing digital platforms and younger viewers. The 2025 broadcast saw a slight increase in viewers to 19.7 million, driven by people watching on mobile devices and laptops. Partnerships with popular internet personalities have helped the show maintain its prestige while becoming more accessible to modern audiences.
Looking ahead, the Academy is preparing for a landmark shift to YouTube in 2029, ending its era on traditional broadcast television. This transition will transform the Oscars into a year-round hub for cinema, offering everything from museum programming to digitized archives. The move is designed to ensure that the magic of the movies remains alive and accessible to all.