The Art of the Ensemble: Casting Honored at the 98th Oscars

The 98th Academy Awards will shine a spotlight on the often-overlooked art of casting with the introduction of its newest award category. This historic addition recognizes the professionals who found the perfect talent for films like Sinners and One Battle After Another. Host Conan O’Brien will guide viewers through a night that promises to be both emotionally resonant and visually spectacular.
Lynette Howell Taylor, the first-year Academy President, brings a producer’s eye to the 2026 show, ensuring every detail is poured over for months. She believes that the 98th ceremony will stand out because of its “intimate and warm” feel, which is a departure from previous years. Taylor’s focus is on making the broadcast dynamic, emotionally connecting, and respectful of the artists being honored.
The In Memoriam segment remains a cornerstone of the broadcast, especially following the deaths of titans like Robert Duvall and Catherine O’Hara. Bill Kramer, the Academy CEO, has promised a tribute that is “robust and very, very moving.” To ensure all contributions are recognized, a longer version of the segment will be available on the Academy’s digital platforms after the March 15 show.
Ratings for the Oscars have been steadily improving, with 19.7 million viewers in 2025, driven by a surge in mobile and streaming engagement. The Academy’s efforts to work with popular internet personalities like Amelia Dimoldenberg have helped make the show more accessible to younger generations. This approach ensures the ceremony remains “Academy appropriate” while reaching new, diverse audiences.
The 2029 move to YouTube signals the Academy’s transformation into a more global organization that reaches audiences year-round. This shift will provide a permanent digital hub for cinema, including access to museum programs and digitized historical archives. The 98th ceremony is a vital part of this journey, bridging the gap between traditional broadcasting and a digital-first future.