Oscars to feature live performances of just two songs

'Golden' from K-Pop Demon Hunters and 'I Lied to You' from Sinners have been revealed to be the two songs

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced that only two Best Original Song nominees will be performed live at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards ceremony, a significant change from past years when multiple songs were showcased during the broadcast. The Oscars will take place on March 15, 2026, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, with comedian Conan O’Brien returning as host.

In a letter sent to nominees, Academy producers explained that time constraints on the 3½‑hour telecast and the addition of the new casting category have led to the decision to limit live musical performances. According to the message, two songs — “Golden” from the animated musical KPop Demon Hunters and “I Lied to You” from the vampire drama Sinners — will be performed during the live broadcast.

The animated KPop Demon Hunters — which already made history as the first K‑pop song ever nominated for an Oscar — features “Golden,” a chart‑topping track that has become a global phenomenon. Sinners, which leads all films this year with a record-breaking total of nominations, is represented in the category by “I Lied to You,” one of its standout songs co-written by Ludwig Göransson and Raphael Saadiq.

In past ceremonies, all Best Original Song nominees would typically be showcased live. This year’s change reflects efforts by Academy producers to balance musical moments with other segments of the show without extending the broadcast beyond its allotted time. Nominees not selected for live performance — including songs such as Diane Warren’s Dear Me and Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner’s Train Dreams — will still be acknowledged on the broadcast with custom-produced film footage and contextual segments highlighting their contributions.

The Academy stressed that every Best Original Song nominee will remain part of the awards presentation, even if not all are performed live. The goal, producers said, is to maintain a “fast-paced, entertaining and cohesive show” while still honoring the artistry behind each song.

This year’s Best Original Song race is stacked with competition, from the vibrant animated energy of KPop Demon Hunters to the dramatic musical storytelling of Sinners, along with other standout nominees across genres. Limiting live performances to just two moments has already sparked conversation among fans and industry insiders as the countdown to Oscar night continues.12