For the first time in 98 years, the Academy will present a competitive award for Achievement in Casting, honoring the professionals who find the perfect talent for every film. This historic addition recognizes the creative genius behind ensembles in films like Sinners and One Battle After Another. The award is being treated as a “gorgeous moment” for the industry’s casting community.
President Lynette Howell Taylor, who has seen the casting process from a producer’s perspective, has championed this new category. She believes that as the Academy evolves, it must recognize all the disciplines that contribute to the success of a movie. The 98th Oscars will finally give these “gatekeepers of talent” the recognition they have long deserved on Hollywood’s biggest stage.
Conan O’Brien’s return as host provides a steady hand for a show that is embracing these major changes. His comedic timing and experience in live television ensure that the 98th Oscars will be both entertaining and respectful. O’Brien’s presence is a key factor in the show’s recent ratings recovery, which saw nearly 20 million viewers in 2025.
The In Memoriam segment will be an emotional high point, honoring stars like Robert Redford, Diane Keaton, and Rob Reiner. Producers are preparing a robust tribute that they hope will be “beautiful and moving” for the global audience. A longer version of the tribute will be available online to ensure that every industry professional who passed away this year is honored.
The Academy’s 2029 move to YouTube is part of a long-term plan to turn the organization into a year-round “hub for cinema.” This partnership with Google will allow for the digitization of the Academy’s archives and the global broadcast of events like the SciTech Awards. This transition marks the beginning of a new era for the Oscars as a truly global and digital-first brand.
