The 98th Academy Awards are bringing major musical star power to the stage. Producers have announced that performers from the hit films “KPop Demon Hunters” and “Sinners” will take part in special musical tributes during the ceremony, adding two of the year’s most talked-about soundtracks to the Oscars performance lineup.
The ceremony will take place on March 15 at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. Instead of presenting each Best Original Song nominee with a traditional live performance, producers have created cinematic segments that highlight how music shaped the storytelling in select films.
According to Deadline, the show will feature large-scale performances inspired by “KPop Demon Hunters” and “Sinners.” Both films generated strong buzz throughout the year and earned praise for the way their music connects with audiences and drives their narratives.
The approach allows the Academy Awards to celebrate the artistry behind film soundtracks while giving viewers memorable live performances tied to some of the year’s most popular movies.
‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Musical Tribute Brings Global Pop Energy
One of the night’s most anticipated musical moments will focus on “KPop Demon Hunters,” the animated musical adventure that became a global pop culture sensation. The film follows a fictional K-pop girl group that secretly fights supernatural threats while maintaining their careers as international pop stars.
The Oscars segment will feature the song “Golden,” which earned a nomination for Best Original Song. According to Variety, singers EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, who provide the voices for the film’s fictional group HUNTR/X, are set to perform the track live during the ceremony.
“Golden” quickly gained momentum after the film’s release. The song’s mix of pop production, multilingual lyrics, and high-energy style helped it gain international attention across streaming platforms and social media.
Producers plan to bring that same energy to the Oscars stage. The performance will combine pop choreography with cultural elements that reflect the film’s creative influences. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the segment is designed to celebrate the film’s global reach and the storytelling power behind its music.
‘Sinners’ Tribute Highlights Blues-Inspired Film Soundtrack
The ceremony will also feature a musical tribute to “Sinners,” one of the most acclaimed films of the awards season. The segment will spotlight the nominated song “I Lied to You.”
According to Deadline, the performance will feature actor and musician Miles Caton alongside songwriter and producer Raphael Saadiq. The segment will also showcase several artists connected to the film’s blues-inspired soundtrack.
Legendary blues guitarist Buddy Guy will join the tribute, along with singer Brittany Howard and guitarist Eric Gales. The performance will also feature a choreographed appearance from acclaimed dancer Misty Copeland.
Producers told The Hollywood Reporter that the segment aims to capture the musical spirit of the film while highlighting the artists who helped shape its distinctive sound.
Music Takes Center Stage at the 2026 Oscars
The musical tributes highlight the Academy’s continued effort to showcase how music strengthens storytelling in film. Both “KPop Demon Hunters” and “Sinners” received attention not only for their stories but also for the soundtracks that helped define their worlds.
Additional performers are expected to appear throughout the broadcast as the Academy continues building a music-driven lineup for the night.
Comedian and television host Conan O’Brien will host the ceremony, which promises an evening that celebrates filmmaking, live performance, and the artists behind some of the year’s most memorable movie music.
