The 98th Academy Awards are set to take place this weekend, promising a night of cinematic celebration. However, this year’s ceremony will feature a slightly altered musical format, with fewer live performances than in previous years. Producers have opted to focus musical presentations on two key performances, citing the addition of the new Best Casting category and a desire to maintain the show’s pacing. This means three nominated songs – “Train Dreams” by Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner, “Dear Me” by Diane Warren, and “Sweet Dreams of Joy” by Nicholas Pike – will not be performed live during the broadcast.
Despite this change, the musical lineup promises to be a highlight of the evening, showcasing a blend of established artists and rising stars. The ceremony, scheduled to be held at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 15, 2026, will feature performances from Huntr/x and a collaborative ensemble surrounding “I Lied to You” from the film *I Sinners*. The awards will be broadcast live, with coverage beginning on Rai 1 at 11:30 PM with a red carpet special, and the ceremony itself commencing at 1:00 AM, according to Cinematografo.it.
“Golden” Set to Shine: Huntr/x to Take the Stage
The animated film *Kpop Demon Hunters* has already made waves in the music industry, and its nominated song, “Golden,” performed by the trio Huntr/x (Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami), is poised to be a centerpiece of the Oscar’s musical segment. The song achieved significant streaming success in 2025, surpassing one billion streams on Spotify and one billion views on YouTube. It also became the first K-Pop female song to reach number one on the Billboard Hot 100, holding the top spot for the longest duration by a female group in the 21st century. The film’s soundtrack has already garnered two Golden Globe Awards – Best Motion Picture – Animated and Best Original Song for “Golden” – and Critics Choice Awards in the same categories. Adding to its accolades, “Golden” won the Grammy Award for Best Song Written For Visual Media in 2026, marking the first time a K-Pop song has received this prestigious international recognition.
The performance of “Golden” is expected to be visually stunning, incorporating traditional Korean instruments and folkloric dances to celebrate the film’s cultural roots. This ambitious staging reflects the global impact of *Kpop Demon Hunters*, which has become Netflix’s most-watched original film to date, with a sequel already confirmed by Netflix, and Sony.
A Powerful Performance of “I Lied to You”
The second confirmed musical performance will center around “I Lied to You” from *I Sinners*, a film directed by Ryan Coogler. This performance is not envisioned as a standard musical number but rather as a spectacular tribute to the film itself. Miles Caton, who portrays the young protagonist Sammie, will perform alongside Raphael Saadiq.
The ensemble accompanying Caton and Saadiq is exceptionally diverse and impressive, featuring a remarkable collection of musical talent. Ballerina Misty Copeland will contribute a dance element, while musicians Eric Gales, Buddy Guy (a 89-year-old blues legend from Chicago), Brittany Howard, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Bobby Rush, Shaboozey, and Alice Smith will provide musical backing. Actors Jayme Lawson and Li Jun Li, also featured in *I Sinners*, will join the performance, and the Los Angeles Master Chorale, alongside Josh Groban, will complete the musical program. This collaborative performance promises to be a powerful and moving moment during the ceremony.
Changes to the Musical Format and the New Best Casting Category
The decision to limit the number of live musical performances this year stems from a desire to streamline the show and accommodate the newly introduced Best Casting category. Producers felt that focusing on two key musical moments would allow for more elaborate and impactful presentations, while also ensuring the ceremony remains within a reasonable timeframe. This adjustment reflects a broader trend in awards shows to balance entertainment value with efficiency. The addition of Best Casting acknowledges the crucial role casting directors play in bringing compelling stories to life on screen.
The 98th Academy Awards are being hosted by Conan O’Brien for the second consecutive year, following positive reception to his hosting in the previous ceremony. O’Brien reportedly spent three months preparing for the event, collaborating with Jeff Ross and Mike Sweeney, his longtime collaborators, as producers. He is also appearing in *If Only I Could Kick You*, a film that has earned Rose Byrne a nomination for Best Actress.
Looking Ahead: The Full List of Nominees and Potential Winners
While the musical performances are a significant aspect of the Oscars, the primary focus remains on honoring excellence in filmmaking. The competition for Best Picture is particularly fierce this year, with several critically acclaimed films vying for the top prize. Predictions regarding the winners remain fluid, but industry analysts suggest that *Kpop Demon Hunters* and *I Sinners* are strong contenders in several categories.
The ceremony will be broadcast live on ABC in the United States and streamed on Hulu for subscribers. It will also be distributed in over 200 territories worldwide, with exclusive broadcasts on ITV in the United Kingdom, Canal+ in France, and Movistar+ in Spain. For Italian audiences, the event will be available on Rai 1 and RaiPlay, with the option to select the original language audio stream.
As the anticipation builds for the 98th Academy Awards, the focus shifts to celebrating the artistry and innovation of the film industry. The limited number of live musical performances may be a departure from tradition, but the planned presentations promise to be memorable and impactful, adding to the excitement of this prestigious event. The next major update will be the announcement of the winners during the live broadcast on March 15th.
What are your predictions for the winners? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow film enthusiasts!
Keep reading