The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will host the 98th Annual Academy Awards on March 15, 2026. The prestigious ceremony will be hosted for a second time by comedian and late-night host Conan O’Brien, who will resume the function after this year’s ceremony. We know that O’Brien’s signature comedic style and dynamic personality are going to make this a fun-filled, can’t-miss awards show.
Specifically, the Academy has created a new award intended to highlight excellence in casting. This campaign is designed to recognize, uplift, and tastefully promote more inclusive and holistic contributions to the art of filmmaking. This new award will officially be introduced at next year’s Academy Awards. Most importantly, it will pay tribute to the casting directors’ crucial contributions to film’s best successes. The Academy was thrilled to announce for the first time an Oscar category for excellence in stunt design. We can’t wait to see this award’s first winner take the stage at the 2028 Oscars!
The Academy has made a big procedural move, too, as it relates to voting eligibility. To maintain the integrity of the awards, all voting members are required to view every nominated film in every category. Only then will they be eligible to cast a ballot in the final round. This controversial decision has created an uproar among film lovers and emerging talent across the board.
“In a procedural change, Academy members must now watch all nominated films in each category to be eligible to vote in the final round for the Oscars,” – The Academy
Advocates have long criticized the old voting procedure. FAMOUS, as it became known, surprised many with its simplicity and obviousness. They asked how voters were supposed to make informed decisions without the ability to view all the candidates. On social media, advocates shared their reactions, relieved by progress but skeptical about the details.
“This should have been the rule from the start. How do you vote on winners without even watching all the films?” – SabuOfficial
Others highlighted the exclusion of films in different specific situations. They argue that this was able to occur because voters failed to read the fine print closely enough.
“Imagine if Dune: Part Two didn’t get an award simply because voters couldn’t be bothered to sit through a two-hour film,” – sash_jpg
With the 98th Academy Awards just around the corner, O’Brien’s return as host should ensure the Oscars are once again as entertaining as they are glamorous. New categories and updated voting rules are necessary and will only serve to bolster the Olympics-like credibility of the Oscars. They want to celebrate a more diverse range of talent behind the camera in the film industry.