The annual Academy Awards, widely known as the Oscars, has long been one of the most prominent events in the global film industry. While the ceremony is primarily associated with recognising achievements in filmmaking, its organisers also aim to create a show that resonates emotionally with audiences. For the upcoming 2026 ceremony, the production team is focusing on maintaining the traditional mix of celebration and reflection while introducing elements that acknowledge a particularly significant year for the film community.
Executive producer Raj Kapoor and producer Katy Mullan are leading preparations for the ceremony. According to the producers, the event will include a number of thoughtful adjustments to reflect recent developments within the film industry. One of the most notable changes will be an expanded version of the ceremony’s In Memoriam segment, which honours members of the film community who have passed away over the past year.
The decision to lengthen this portion of the broadcast follows the deaths of several prominent figures in cinema, including Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, and Diane Ladd. Their contributions to the industry spanned decades and influenced generations of filmmakers and performers. As a result, the producers felt it was important to ensure the tribute segment offers enough time to acknowledge these losses appropriately.
Katy Mullan explained that planning the tribute has required careful discussion and preparation. According to her, the production team has spent considerable time deciding how best to present the memorial while ensuring that each person being honoured receives thoughtful recognition. She noted that the process has involved extensive deliberation and will likely continue right up until the live broadcast.
Raj Kapoor also highlighted the level of detail involved in preparing the In Memoriam segment. Elements such as graphic design, title cards and the order in which individuals are presented are all carefully considered. The sequence of tributes, he explained, is important in shaping how audiences experience the segment emotionally. Because the list of honourees and the visual material used may change as the ceremony approaches, the editing process continues almost until the day of the event.
The In Memoriam segment has become one of the most emotionally resonant parts of the Oscars broadcast. For many viewers, it provides an opportunity to remember influential actors, directors, writers and technicians who have shaped the art of filmmaking. Kapoor emphasised that the production team treats the responsibility seriously because the segment allows audiences to revisit the work and legacy of people who played important roles in cinema.
Alongside the reflective tone created by the memorial tribute, the ceremony will still include the competitive categories and recognitions that define the Oscars. This year’s nominations have already generated attention within the industry. The film Sinners leads the nominations with 16 nods, setting a new record for the highest number of nominations in Oscars history. It is followed by One Battle After Another, which has received 13 nominations across several major categories.
The ceremony will once again be hosted by comedian and television personality Conan O’Brien, who returns for the second consecutive year. O’Brien’s involvement as host reflects the Academy’s continued effort to combine humour and entertainment with the more formal aspects of the awards presentation. In addition to hosting duties, he also recently appeared as an actor in the film If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, in which he performed alongside Rose Byrne, who has received a Best Actress nomination.
The 2026 Academy Awards are scheduled to take place on March 15 at the Dolby Theatre, the long-time venue for the ceremony in Los Angeles. As in previous years, the event will bring together filmmakers, actors and industry professionals from around the world to celebrate achievements in cinema.
While the awards themselves remain the centrepiece of the evening, this year’s ceremony is expected to carry a slightly more reflective atmosphere due to the losses experienced by the film community. By expanding the In Memoriam segment and carefully shaping its presentation, the producers aim to ensure that the event not only recognises the achievements of the present year but also honours the legacy of those who helped shape the history of filmmaking.