Oscars 2026: 'K-Pop Demon Hunters', 'Sinners' to deliver massive live performances

The long-awaited road to Oscar Sunday is finally nearing its end. With the 98th Academy Awards just days away, executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan have officially unveiled the musical showcase for Hollywood’s biggest night. 

On March 10, the Academy confirmed a lineup that trades the number of performances for cinematic scale, focusing on two massive live performances designed to blur the lines between storytelling and live concert energy.

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When the curtain rises at the Dolby Theatre on March 15, the spotlight will fall first on the global sensation ‘Golden’ from the Best Animated Feature nominee KPop Demon Hunters. Voices of the fictional group HUNTR/X, performed by real-life artistes EJAE, Audrey Nuna and Rei Ami, are set to deliver an ambitious opening that honours the film’s folklore roots. 

The evening’s other major musical centrepiece belongs to the night's heavy hitter, Sinners. The nominated track ‘I Lied To You’ will be brought to life by Miles Caton and Raphael Saadiq, supported by an ensemble of talent. 

The stage will host a "who’s who" of musical mastery, including Brittany Howard, Shaboozey, and blues legends Buddy Guy and Bobby Rush, while world-renowned dancer Misty Copeland will also make an appearance. 

In a move to keep the telecast lean and focused, the remaining three nominees (‘Dear Me’ from Diane Warren: Relentless, ‘Train Dreams’ and ‘Sweet Dreams of Joy’) will be highlighted through short film clips and behind-the-scenes segments rather than live sets. 

Josh Groban and the Los Angeles Master Chorale are confirmed for a segment likely tied to the In Memoriam honours, which this year pays tribute to icons like Robert Redford.

Reports have also suggested that Barbra Streisand could make a rare appearance to perform The Way We Were, though the Academy has not confirmed this.

When and where to watch the Oscars:

Hosted by Conan O’Brien, the 98th Oscars will air live on ABC and stream on Hulu starting at 7pm ET/3am GST. With Sinners leading the pack with 16 nominations and a performance lineup buzzing with masterpieces, the 2026 ceremony is shaping up to be yet another unforgettable night of music and film history.

Written by

Somya Mehta

Somya Mehta is a Senior Features Writer at Khaleej Times, who contributes extensively to the UAE's arts, culture, and lifestyle scene. When not engrossed in writing, you'll find her on the hunt for the next best solo travel destination or indulging in podcast binges.