The 98th Academy Awards, held in a more traditional and extended format, diverged from the previous trend of shortening the program and moving some awards off the live broadcast. This year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences opted for an approach reminiscent of classic ceremonies, resulting in a show that felt grand and appealing. The event featured a performance by Conan O'Brien, who hinted at the political backdrop in Hollywood with humorous remarks that lightly critiqued the American justice system, including references to the lack of British nominees due to their treatment of sex offenders, contrasting this with the plight of American men involved in high-profile legal scandals.

During the ceremony, O'Brien's monologue reflected wider societal concerns about unregulated advancements in modern technology. He included satirical skits that poked fun at the obsession with adapting classic films for contemporary audiences, showcasing a mix of humor that ranged from critiques of American healthcare to an ironic take on technological optimism. Such humor encapsulated a broader narrative of the importance of addressing real-world issues even amid the glamour of Hollywood, making the event not just a celebration of film but also a commentary on current social themes.

The Oscars traditionally serve as a high-profile platform for cinematic achievement but this year's ceremony also highlighted the intertwining of Hollywood with global politics and societal issues. By choosing a longer format and embracing a sense of nostalgia, the Academy seems to have struck a balance between entertaining younger viewers and acknowledging the gravity of its cultural impact, suggesting a potential shift in how such events might be structured in the future, reflecting an increased desire to address pertinent societal questions in a historically rich, yet modern context.