Hollywood’s biggest night is turning up the volume. The 98th Oscars are not only preparing to honor the year’s most celebrated films, but also to deliver a music-driven broadcast designed to merge cinema, culture, and live performance on one of entertainment’s most-watched stages. Airing live on Sunday, March 15, 2026, the ceremony will be hosted by Conan O’Brien and broadcast on ABC while also streaming live on Hulu, with the official red carpet beginning ahead of the main show.
Among the night’s most anticipated moments is the performance of the Oscar-nominated original song “I Lied To You.” Raphael Saadiq and Miles Caton are set to bring the song to life in a cinematic tribute inspired by Sinners, one of the films driving major conversation this awards season. Joining them onstage will be an extraordinary creative ensemble that includes Misty Copeland, Eric Gales, Buddy Guy, Brittany Howard, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Jayme Lawson, Li Jun Li, Bobby Rush, Shaboozey, and Alice Smith. According to the show’s producers, the performance will honor the film’s distinct visual language while spotlighting the role music plays in shaping its emotional power.
The Oscars are also leaning into global pop culture with a major performance inspired by “KPop Demon Hunters.” That segment will open with a fusion of traditional Korean instrumentalists and dance, creating a live moment rooted in the folklore and cultural inspiration behind the animated hit. From there, EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, and REI AMI—the singing voices behind HUNTR/X—will perform the Oscar-nominated original song “Golden,” giving the telecast another dynamic cross-section of music and storytelling.
Executive producer and showrunner Raj Kapoor and executive producer Katy Mullan said this year’s musical direction is inspired by two powerful film phenomena: Sinners and KPop Demon Hunters. Their vision frames these moments as more than entertainment breaks. Instead, they are being positioned as cinematic tributes that celebrate why these films connected so strongly with audiences and how music deepens narrative impact on screen. That approach suggests a telecast aiming for spectacle, but also meaning.
Adding even more prestige to the evening, the show will also feature Josh Groban and the Los Angeles Master Chorale. Producers have indicated that additional talent announcements will continue leading up to the ceremony, signaling that the final lineup may become even more star-powered before showtime.
The 98th Oscars will be held at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles and will air live in more than 200 territories worldwide. For viewers planning their night, the main ceremony begins at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, while the official live red carpet show starts at 6:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. PT. For Hollywood, film lovers, music fans, and fashion watchers alike, this year’s Oscars are shaping up to be a celebration of artistic excellence with a soundtrack to match.
Six Key Highlights
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Raphael Saadiq and Miles Caton will perform the Oscar-nominated song “I Lied To You” during the 98th Oscars.
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They will be joined by Misty Copeland, Eric Gales, Buddy Guy, Brittany Howard, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Jayme Lawson, Li Jun Li, Bobby Rush, Shaboozey, and Alice Smith.
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A separate major performance will spotlight “KPop Demon Hunters” with EJAE, AUDREY NUNA, and REI AMI performing “Golden.”
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The show will be hosted by Conan O’Brien.
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The ceremony airs live on ABC and streams live on Hulu on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
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The 98th Oscars will take place at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles.
For more information, visit Oscars.org and ABC’s Oscars page.
