Countdown Begins for 98th Oscars with Conan O'Brien and Emotional Tributes

Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor and CEO Bill Kramer discuss plans for this year's ceremony, including a special focus on the 'In Memoriam' segment.

Mar. 10, 2026 at 11:06pm

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The 98th Academy Awards are just days away, and the organizers are feeling confident about this year's show. Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor and CEO Bill Kramer discussed the plans, including the return of host Conan O'Brien, a 'moving' In Memoriam tribute, and a new award for casting. They're aiming to keep the show under 3.5 hours while still delivering an entertaining and emotionally resonant experience for viewers.

Why it matters

The Oscars remain one of the most watched and prestigious awards shows, but have faced declining ratings in recent years. The Academy is focused on reaching younger audiences and striking the right balance between honoring the industry and providing an engaging broadcast. This year's show will be a test of their efforts to revitalize the ceremony.

The details

Final preparations are underway for the 98th Oscars on Sunday, March 17th. The producers and Emmy-winning production design team are working to dazzle the global audience, with plans for memorable performances, tributes, and the debut of a new award for casting. The top nominees, 'Sinners' and 'One Battle After Another,' are both critically acclaimed films.

  • The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, March 17, 2026.
  • Planning for the 100th Oscars in 2028 is already underway.
  • In 2029, the Oscars will move from traditional broadcast television to YouTube.

The players

Lynette Howell Taylor

The president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, who has seen the Oscars from various perspectives including as a nominee, producer, and board member.

Bill Kramer

The CEO of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, who is working with Howell Taylor to plan this year's Oscars ceremony.

Conan O'Brien

The returning host of the 98th Academy Awards.

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What they’re saying

“Every year is different. Every season is different. Every set of movies is different. And so, the show is always different every year.”

— Lynette Howell Taylor, President, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

“We're looking at that puzzle constantly and this year is going to be spectacular.”

— Bill Kramer, CEO, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

“I get really emotional when I talk about the quality of this year's films.”

— Lynette Howell Taylor, President, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

What’s next

The Academy is already planning for the 100th Oscars ceremony in 2028, and in 2029 the show will move from traditional broadcast television to YouTube as part of a larger effort to reach global audiences.

The takeaway

The 98th Oscars ceremony is shaping up to be a memorable event, with the Academy focused on striking the right balance between honoring the industry and providing an engaging broadcast that appeals to younger viewers. The move to YouTube in 2029 signals the organization's desire to expand its reach and cement the Oscars' status as a premier global entertainment event.