The 98th Oscars: A Final Look at Conan O’Brien’s Return

The Dolby Theatre is ready for the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026, where Conan O’Brien will once again steer the ship as host. Producers are emphasizing a ceremony that balances the grandeur of the “Big Two” nominees—Sinners and One Battle After Another—with an intimate production feel. With ratings on the rise, the Academy is looking to prove that traditional awards ceremonies can still captivate a modern, multi-platform audience.
Lynette Howell Taylor, currently in her first term as Academy President, has described the 2026 season as “spectacularly brave.” Having served as a producer and nominee, Taylor has focused her presidency on bridging the gap between industry insiders and the global public. Alongside CEO Bill Kramer, she has streamlined the planning process to avoid the typical last-minute chaos associated with live television.
A historic first for this year’s show is the presentation of the Achievement in Casting award, the first new competitive category since 2001. This addition acknowledges the pivotal role casting directors play in the success of films like Sinners, which leads the field with 16 nominations. The Academy hopes this inclusion will highlight the collaborative nature of filmmaking that often goes unrecognized.
The “In Memoriam” segment is poised to be an emotional cornerstone, following a year that saw the passing of giants like Robert Redford and Diane Keaton. Rumors suggest a potential musical tribute by Barbra Streisand for Redford, though organizers have not officially confirmed the lineup. This segment, described as “robust and beautiful,” remains one of the most-watched parts of the global broadcast.
Looking beyond Sunday’s show, the Academy is preparing for a monumental shift to YouTube in 2029. This transition, which moves the ceremony away from ABC after decades, aims to create a year-round digital hub for cinema. By digitizing their collections for public access via Google Arts and Culture, the Academy is ensuring its legacy survives in a digital-first world.