Conan O’Brien to Lead a Night of Tributes at the 98th Oscars

The 98th Academy Awards will be a night of celebration and remembrance, with Conan O’Brien returning as host for a broadcast that honors cinema’s past and present. Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor and CEO Bill Kramer are focused on delivering a show that is both “spectacular” and deeply moving. The ceremony will feature a robust In Memoriam segment and the debut of the Achievement in Casting award.
Lynette Howell Taylor’s background in film production has given her a unique vantage point on the “puzzle” of the Oscars. She describes this year’s nominated films as exceptionally “brave and bold,” ranging from commercial blockbusters to experimental stories. Her goal is to ensure the 98th ceremony feels intimate and warm, a departure from the traditional look of previous broadcasts.
The “In Memoriam” tribute is expected to be a focal point of the night, honoring legends such as Robert Duvall, Val Kilmer, and Catherine O’Hara. Bill Kramer, the Academy CEO, has promised a segment that is “robust and very, very moving,” providing a fitting farewell to those who shaped the industry. A longer version will also be hosted online for a more comprehensive tribute.
Ratings for the Oscars have shown a steady recovery, with 19.7 million people tuning in for the 2025 ceremony. This success is largely due to the show’s increased accessibility on streaming platforms like Hulu and its engagement with younger viewers through digital media. By meeting audiences where they are, the Oscars are successfully reclaiming their cultural relevance.
The move to YouTube in 2029 will turn the Academy into a global hub for cinema, providing year-round access to museum programming and digitized archives. This shift signals a desire to become more inclusive and reach a wider audience than ever before. The 98th and 99th Oscars are critical stepping stones toward this digital-first future for the organization.