Lynette Howell Taylor Leads the Academy Through a Changing Oscars Landscape

Lynette Howell Taylor is navigating the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences through a period of evolution, marked by increasing viewership, a move to streaming, and a commitment to honoring the art of filmmaking. As the current president, she is focused on balancing tradition with innovation as the Oscars approach its 98th ceremony and looks ahead to its centennial celebration.

A Season of Transition and Growth

Howell Taylor, elected president in 2025, succeeds Janet Yang and brings a wealth of experience to the role. She has been an Academy member since 2014, serving as vice president and chair of the awards committee . Her background as a producer – including credits on films like “A Star Is Born” (2018), “Blue Valentine,” and “The Accountant,” as well as producing the 92nd Oscars broadcast – provides a unique perspective on the complexities of the awards show.

Balancing Entertainment and Recognition

According to Howell Taylor, each Oscars ceremony is unique, shaped by the films of the year and the evolving tastes of audiences. “Every year is different,” she stated in a recent interview with Academy CEO Bill Kramer. “Every season is different. Every set of movies is different. And so, the show is always different every year.” The challenge lies in honoring the nominees while creating an engaging experience for both those in attendance and viewers at home.

Rising Viewership and a Younger Audience

The Academy has seen a positive trend in viewership in recent years, reversing a decline experienced during the pandemic. Ratings increased slightly from 19.5 million in 2024 to 19.7 million in 2025 . Notably, the 18-49 age demographic showed significant growth, driven by streaming on platforms like Hulu, which carried the ceremony live for the first time last year. The Academy is also actively partnering with internet personalities to reach new audiences.

Early Planning and Adaptability

Kramer emphasized the importance of early planning, stating that preparations now start well before the nominations are announced. This allows the team to focus on the show’s direction once the nominees are known and minimizes last-minute stress. The production design for this year’s ceremony is described as a departure from previous years, aiming for a more “intimate and warm” feel. However, the Academy remains flexible, prepared to adapt to current events, as demonstrated by the spontaneous addition of a memorable performance by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande last year.

Honoring Those Lost

The In Memoriam segment will be particularly poignant this year, recognizing a significant number of figures lost from the film industry, including Robert Redford, Diane Keaton, Rob Reiner, Catherine O’Hara, Robert Duvall, Val Kilmer, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, James Van Der Beek and Claudia Cardinale. While details are being kept under wraps, Kramer assured that the segment will be “robust and beautiful and exceptionally, very moving.” A longer version will also be available online.

Looking Ahead: YouTube and the Centennial

The Academy is also looking to the future, with plans for the 100th Oscars in 2028 and a significant shift in 2029: the Oscars will move to YouTube. Kramer explained that this move signals a desire to become a more global organization and reach wider audiences. The partnership with YouTube will extend beyond the awards show, encompassing the SciTech Awards, museum programming, and digitized collections through Google Arts and Culture.

The 98th Academy Awards are aiming for a runtime of three-and-a-half hours, a goal Howell Taylor believes is achievable, emphasizing the importance of creating a “dynamic and emotionally connecting” show that keeps audiences engaged.