The 98th Oscars will feature sweeping musical tributes to “Sinners” and “KPop Demon Hunters,” executive producers and show producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan announced.
“This year, our music performances are inspired by two of the most powerful cultural phenomena in film: ‘Sinners,’ the most nominated film in Oscars history, and ‘KPop Demon Hunters,’ a global pop culture sensation,” Kapoor and Mullan said in a joint statement. “These show moments are more than just performances — they expand into cinematic tributes that celebrate the relationship between music and storytelling and why these films resonated so deeply with audiences around the world.”
The segment dedicated to Netflix’s “KPop Demon Hunters” will open with a fusion of traditional Korean instrumentalists and dance, drawing on the folklore and cultural roots at the heart of the animated blockbuster. EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Reri Ami — the singing voices behind HUNTR/X in the film — will then perform “Golden,” the Oscar-nominated original song.
The “Sinners” tribute will explore how music functions as a narrative device throughout Ryan Coogler’s vampire drama that shattered the all-time Oscar nomination record. It will translate that dynamic to a live stage presentation. Breakout star Miles Caton and Oscar-nominated songwriter Raphael Saadiq are set to perform the nominated song “I Lied to You.” They will be joined by an ensemble that includes Misty Copeland, Eric Gales, Buddy Guy, Brittany Howard, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Jayme Lawson, Li Jun Li, Bobby Rush, Shaboozey and Alice Smith in a tribute to the film’s visual and musical style.
Josh Groban and the Los Angeles Master Chorale are also set to appear during the broadcast.
Producers share additional talent announcements are expected ahead of the ceremony.
The 98th Oscars will be held at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood and will air in more than 200 territories worldwide. The ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will air live on ABC and stream on Hulu on Sunday, March 15, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, with the official red carpet show beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.
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