The producers of the 98th Academy Awards have confirmed that this year’s ceremony will feature special “moments” celebrating two of 2025’s most influential films: Sinners and KPop Demon Hunters. These tributes will go beyond traditional musical performances, blending cinematic storytelling with live music and dance.
Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, the show’s producers, explained: “This year, our music performances are inspired by two of the most powerful cultural phenomena in film. These show moments expand into cinematic tributes that celebrate the relationship between music and storytelling and why these films resonated so deeply with audiences around the world.”
KPop Demon Hunters Tribute
The KPop Demon Hunters segment will highlight the cultural roots of the animated blockbuster, which became Netflix’s most-watched original film. The performance will feature traditional Korean instrumentalists and dancers, alongside the Oscar-nominated song Golden. EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami — the singing voices behind the fictional girl group HUNTR/X — will lead the performance.
Sinners Tribute
The Sinners tribute will explore how music drives the film’s narrative. Miles Caton and Raphael Saadiq will perform the Oscar-nominated song I Lied to You, joined by a powerhouse lineup including Buddy Guy, Bobby Rush, Misty Copeland, Shaboozey, Alice Smith, Eric Gales, Brittany Howard, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Jayme Lawson, and Li Jun Li.
Additional Performances
The ceremony will also feature Josh Groban and the Los Angeles Master Chorale, expected to appear during the In Memoriam segment. This year’s tribute will be especially poignant following the deaths of film icons Diane Keaton, Robert Redford, Brigitte Bardot, Robert Duvall, and Catherine O’Hara.
Ceremony Details
Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the Oscars will air live on ABC and stream on Hulu on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT. The red carpet show begins at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT.
