The 98th Academy Awards performance lineup has been revealed, showcasing two musical tributes based on the movies “Sinners” and “KPop Demon Hunters.” Scheduled for March 15, 2026, the ceremony will honor the top films and talents of 2025. Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, the executive producers, announced that this year’s musical acts will pay homage to the impactful cinematic releases of the year, emphasizing the fusion of music and storytelling in film.
A standout moment of the event will be the homage to “KPop Demon Hunters,” a cultural phenomenon. The hit Oscar-nominated song “Golden” from the film will be performed by the members of the fictional girl group HUNTR/X, including EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami. The performance will commence with a blend of traditional Korean instrumentalists and dancers.
Another key segment of the night will celebrate “Sinners,” which holds a record-breaking 16 Oscar nominations. The tribute will feature the nominated song “I Lied To You,” performed by Miles Caton and Raphael Saadiq. Accompanying artists will include Misty Copeland, Eric Gales, Buddy Guy, Christone Kingfish Ingram, Brittany Howard, Bobby Rush, Shaboozey, and Alice Smith. Actors Jayme Lawson and Li Jun Li are also set to participate in the tribute.
The ceremony will feature appearances by Josh Groban and the Los Angeles Master Chorale. Comedian Conan O’Brien will return as the host for the second consecutive year. The awards show will be held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, broadcast live on ABC, and streamed on Hulu.
