AceShowbiz - As the 98th Academy Awards approach on March 15, executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, returning for their third consecutive year, have shared fresh insights about the upcoming ceremony. Having earned a live variety special Emmy for their work on the 2024 Oscars and a nomination for the 2025 show, the pair discussed their vision for this year’s event with The Hollywood Reporter.

The producers revealed exciting plans including the debut presentation of the Best Casting Oscar, the approach to honoring a record number of film legends lost since the last ceremony, and other creative directions shaping the broadcast.

Early Preparation and Visual Innovation

The team began work just a month after the 2025 Oscars concluded. “We immediately started reviewing what worked and what could be improved,” said Raj Kapoor. The initial focus was on the show’s overall design, collaborating again with Emmy-winning production designers Misty Buckley and Alana Billingsley. Despite retaining this award-winning team, the 2026 show introduces a completely new visual palette.

“Working with a consistent crew means they understand the flow, the venue’s unique traits — Dolby Theatre — and how to capture it on camera,” Kapoor explained, highlighting the role of director Hamish Hamilton. The result is a set described as “beautiful, modern, organic, soft, and timeless,” crafted with the help of hundreds of Los Angeles artisans specializing in scenic painting and fabrication. The producers expressed excitement for how audiences will react both upon entering the venue and watching the broadcast.

Reflecting on Last Year and Aiming Higher

Following every Oscars telecast, a thorough post-mortem takes place. Katy Mullan described how the team, though initially overwhelmed, embraced candid self-critiques and set ambitious goals for this year’s show. She also praised host Conan O’Brien, who impressed with his preparation and live performance last year, prompting an immediate rebooking.

“We want to maintain that live, spontaneous feeling,” Mullan said. “The variety of moments felt relevant and fresh, not just scripted.” The music performances are planned to go beyond honoring best original songs to celebrating films that made significant cultural impacts and reignited theater attendance worldwide — from immersive IMAX experiences like Sinners to interactive sing-alongs with hits like KPop Demon Hunters.

Managing Acceptance Speeches and Timing Challenges

Last year’s telecast saw some speeches, notably Adrien Brody’s Best Actor acceptance, run longer than ideal, sparking questions about handling such moments in the future. Mullan acknowledged the difficulty, while Kapoor emphasized the balance between respecting winners’ moments and maintaining the show’s pace.

“We inform nominees at the Luncheon that speeches should be about 45 seconds,” he said. “We want speeches to resonate emotionally but also keep the show moving.” When speeches stretch, producers must decide whether to let them continue or move forward to ensure the show concludes on time. Ultimately, they hope nominees respect the guidelines to keep the flow intact.

Celebrating Humanity Amid Technological Advances

The producers have shared that the 2026 Oscars will spotlight “humanity as the soul of cinema.” When asked if this was a contrast to technology or artificial intelligence, Mullan noted the growing presence of automation and AI in creative fields.

“There’s anxiety about technology, but these films showcase human creativity, instincts, and craftsmanship that no machine can replicate,” she said. “We want to highlight what makes human creativity irreplaceable—how these movies come from people taking risks and making bold choices.”

Navigating Politics on the Oscars Stage

Given recent trends at film festivals encouraging political statements, the producers were asked about guidance for nominees considering political remarks during the Oscars. Kapoor acknowledged the tension between honoring artistic celebration and allowing personal expression.

“We want the show to uplift and celebrate, while letting people share their views,” he said. “It’s a fine line, but host Conan O’Brien expertly sets a joyous tone, keeping the atmosphere light and engaging. When nominees speak sincerely from the heart, it resonates and can become part of their legacy, sometimes making television history with memorable speeches.”

Introducing the Best Casting Award in a Unique Format

One of the notable new elements this year is the inaugural presentation of the Best Casting Oscar. The producers expressed enthusiasm about spotlighting the category, which has often been overlooked despite its importance to filmmaking.

“We want to tell a story that helps everyone understand the vital role casting directors play,” Kapoor shared. The presentation will adopt a “Fab Five” format, with five distinct presenters, each sharing their own stories while emphasizing the artistry and significance of casting in film production.

Expanding the In Memoriam Tribute

Due to an unprecedented number of film industry icons passing away over the past year, the traditional In Memoriam segment will be expanded. Mullan stressed the importance of delivering a tribute worthy of the many legends lost.

“It’s been an unimaginably difficult year,” she said. “We owe it to those we’ve lost to create a meaningful and fitting remembrance.”

Looking Ahead to March 15

With months of preparation complete, and detailed plans shared for new awards, expanded tributes, and visual innovation, the 98th Academy Awards are shaping up to be a poignant yet celebratory event. The producers’ emphasis on human creativity, respect for tradition, and fresh storytelling promise a ceremony that honors cinema’s past, present, and future in equal measure.

The anticipation continues to build as the industry and fans alike await the night when the world’s most celebrated films and artists will come together once again under the bright lights of the Oscars stage.