Sinners' Oscar Performance: A Celebration of Music and Culture

At the 98th Academy Awards held on March 15, 2026, the film *Sinners* showcased a powerful live performance of its Oscar-nominated song "I Lied to You." The performance featured an ensemble cast led by Miles Caton and Raphael Saadiq, who co-wrote the song alongside Ludwig Göransson. The stage was designed to resemble the film's iconic Club Juke, immersing the audience in a vibrant recreation of the film's cultural themes.

Essence

The performance included a diverse group of artists, such as Misty Copeland, Shaboozey, Brittany Howard, Buddy Guy, Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, Eric Gales, Alice Smith, and co-stars Jayme Lawson and Li Jun Li. This collaboration highlighted the film's roots in blues music and its cultural significance, reflecting the historical context of Black music in America.

Watch ‘Sinners’ Miles Caton Perform ‘I Lied To You’ With Buddy Guy, Brittany Howard, Kingfish & More Perform With At Oscars

"I Lied to You" plays a pivotal role in *Sinners*, a film directed by Ryan Coogler that intertwines elements of horror with the rich legacy of Black musical traditions. The song is performed by Caton's character, Sammie Moore, during a crucial scene that encapsulates the film's exploration of music's power to connect past and present. The performance at the Oscars was not only a tribute to the film's artistic vision but also a celebration of the cultural heritage it represents.

Hollywood Reporter

The Oscars' executive producers, Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, expressed their intention for the performance to honor the film's "singular visual style." Following the performance, Timothée Chalamet, who was nominated for Best Actor for *Marty Supreme*, gave Copeland a standing ovation, acknowledging the impact of her return to the stage after her recent hip surgery.

People Magazine

Misty Copeland's appearance came shortly after she publicly addressed comments made by Chalamet, who suggested that ballet and opera were losing cultural relevance. Copeland emphasized the enduring significance of these art forms, stating, "I think it’s important that we acknowledge that, yes, this is an art form that’s not ‘popular’ and a part of pop culture as movies are. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have enduring relevance in culture."

Oscars 2026 Sinners performance includes ballerina who called out Timothée Chalamet, gets a standing ovation

*Sinners* made history at the Oscars with a record-breaking 16 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan. The film ultimately won four awards: Best Actor, Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Score, and Best Cinematography. Although "I Lied to You" did not win the Best Original Song award, the performance was a highlight of the ceremony, showcasing the film's cultural impact and musical legacy.

• “It’s important that we acknowledge that, yes, this is an art form that is not popular and a part of pop culture as movies are,” — Misty Copeland

Oscars 2026 Sinners performance includes ballerina who called out Timothée Chalamet, gets a standing ovation

The performance of "I Lied to You" at the Oscars not only celebrated the film *Sinners* but also served as a reminder of the rich tapestry of Black musical heritage and its ongoing relevance in contemporary culture.

Hollywood Reporter