A “Departing” Design: The New Look of the 98th Academy Awards

The 98th Oscars will feature a production design that looks and feels different from any ceremony in recent memory. Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor has promised an “intimate and warm” set that moves away from the traditional, massive scale of the show. This change is intended to make the broadcast feel more personal, reflecting the “brave and bold” storytelling of the 2026 nominees.
The Emmy-winning production design team has spent months refining every detail, from the red carpet to the main stage. The goal is to create a “departure” that keeps the audience at home feeling connected to the emotional stakes in the room. This focus on intimacy is part of a broader strategy to make the Oscars feel less like a corporate event and more like a celebration of art.
Host Conan O’Brien is the perfect choice for this new, warmer atmosphere, given his ability to blend humor with genuine sincerity. His return is a signal of stability for the Academy, which has seen ratings climb steadily to 19.7 million viewers. O’Brien’s experience in live television ensures that the show can pivot to meet the moment, no matter what happens in the world.
The “In Memoriam” segment will be a particularly robust part of the 98th ceremony, honoring legends like Robert Redford and Diane Keaton. Producers have hinted at special tributes for these figures, which they hope will be “beautiful and moving.” An extended version of the tribute will also be available on the Oscars’ digital hub for a more complete remembrance of the year’s losses.
Looking ahead, the Academy is already charting a course for its 2029 move to YouTube. This transition will allow the Oscars to reach a global audience of billions and provide a year-round platform for film history. By digitizing their collections for public access, the Academy is ensuring that the history of cinema is available to anyone, anywhere in the world.