Full Breakdown
Mandy Moore's Choreography Shines at the 2026 Oscars
3/16/2026, 5:43:44 PM
Celebrating Film Through Dance
At the 2026 Academy Awards, choreographer Mandy Moore showcased her expertise with two standout performances: “Golden” from the animated film *K-Pop Demon Hunters* and “I Lied to You” from *Sinners*. Moore aimed to create a memorable spectacle that celebrated both the songs and the films they represented. For the performance of “Golden,” Moore served as the creative director, emphasizing a blend of traditional Korean culture and modern pop aesthetics.
The Creative Process Behind "Golden"
Moore's preparation for the *K-Pop Demon Hunters* performance involved extensive collaboration. She insisted on working with a Korean consultant, ultimately hiring DaEun Jung, an associate professor at the University of California, Riverside. Jung contributed her expertise in dance styles, wardrobe, music, and singing, playing a crucial role in crafting the performance's prologue. Moore described the performance as having two parts: a celebration of traditional Korean culture, featuring drumming and folk dance, followed by a transition into a contemporary pop performance.
Moore noted the unique challenges of choreographing for an animated film, stating, “there's kind of no rules” in what could happen during the performance. She emphasized that the goal was not to replicate a live-action version of the animated sequence but to create a visually stunning experience that resonated with the film's tone.
Incorporating K-Pop Elements
While the performance included elements typical of K-pop concerts, such as audience members waving golden light sticks, Moore clarified that it was not solely a K-pop performance. “I am not a K-pop choreographer,” she stated, highlighting her focus on creating a visually compelling narrative rather than adhering strictly to K-pop dance moves. The incorporation of gold flags was another creative choice, enhancing the visual storytelling of the performance.
Collaboration on "I Lied to You"
Moore's involvement in the *Sinners* performance was more supportive, as the choreography was led by Aakomon “AJ” Jones, the film's head choreographer. The Oscars performance closely mirrored the iconic dance sequence from the movie, showcasing the talents of performers including Miles Caton, Raphael Saadiq, Misty Copeland, and others. Moore expressed satisfaction with the *Sinners* performance, stating, “It's exactly what you would want from a ‘Sinners’ performance on the Oscars.”
Conclusion: A Storytelling Approach
Both performances at the Oscars were rooted in storytelling, with Moore emphasizing that the dance was not merely a series of steps but a narrative experience. “The throughline for both performances is that they start with storytelling, first,” she remarked. This approach not only highlighted the films but also showcased Moore's ability to blend cultural elements and modern performance art, making the 2026 Oscars a memorable event.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It's a huge song. ‘Golden’ is huge.” — Mandy Moore, Choreographer
- “There are two pieces to the performance: The first piece is a celebration of traditional Korean culture.” — Mandy Moore, Choreographer
- “It needed to be event television, in a way … Something that is so epic in nature and scale that it really transcends just somebody singing and dancing.” — Mandy Moore, Choreographer
- “And the throughline for both performances is that they start with storytelling, first,” — Mandy Moore, Choreographer
