The Pacing Puzzle: How the 98th Oscars Stay on Track

Keeping a major awards show under three and a half hours is no small feat, but the organizers of the 98th Oscars believe they have the right plan. CEO Bill Kramer has described the broadcast as a “puzzle” that the team has been working on for months. By starting production meetings earlier in the year, the Academy has been able to refine the show’s flow and eliminate unnecessary segments.
Lynette Howell Taylor, who transitioned to Academy President in 2025, emphasizes that the show must be “dynamic and emotionally connecting.” She compares an awards broadcast to a feature film, noting that if the pacing is off, the audience will lose interest. Her focus on a “spectacular” but efficient show is designed to capitalize on the ratings momentum seen in 2024 and 2025.
The introduction of the Achievement in Casting award is a welcome addition that will be given a dedicated spotlight on March 15. While adding a new category usually adds time, the production team has optimized other segments to compensate. This includes a more streamlined approach to the “In Memoriam” section, which will honor legends like Robert Duvall and Catherine O’Hara.
Viewership among younger audiences has seen a “big lift” recently, largely due to mobile accessibility and streaming options. Last year’s live broadcast on Hulu was a significant success, proving that there is a large audience for the Oscars outside of traditional cable. The Academy is continuing this trend by ensuring the 98th show is “Academy appropriate” yet highly shareable.
The Academy’s ultimate goal is a 2029 transition to YouTube, a move that CEO Bill Kramer says will broaden their global reach. This partnership will turn the Oscars into a year-round digital resource, featuring scientific and technical awards as well as museum programming. The 100th Oscars in 2028 will serve as the grand finale of the broadcast era before this digital-first future begins.