Oscar Performers Announced: Huntr/x and Buddy Guy to Perform ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ and ‘Sinners’ Musical Tributes

The producers of the 98th Academy Awards have unveiled plans for ambitious musical segments dedicated to two of the year's standout films. Moving beyond conventional song performances, these tributes are designed as immersive cinematic pieces that explore the integral role of music in narrative. Executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan emphasized their intent to celebrate the global resonance of "Sinners" and "KPop Demon Hunters," a creative decision that reflects a broader trend in awards broadcasting toward more engaging, story-focused content.

Netflix's animated sensation "KPop Demon Hunters" will receive a tribute that honors its cultural roots. The performance will commence with traditional Korean music and dance, acknowledging the folklore that inspires the plot, before transitioning into the Oscar-nominated original song "Golden." The track will be performed by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Reri Ami, the vocalists behind the film's animated idol group, HUNTR/X. The film's viral success, blending supernatural adventure with pop music, highlights the soaring international popularity of K-pop narratives, a genre that has seen its global market revenue increase by over 300% since 2019.

A markedly different approach will define the tribute to Ryan Coogler's groundbreaking vampire drama "Sinners." This segment will dissect how the film's soundtrack drives its story, featuring a live rendition of the nominated song "I Lied to You" by breakout star Miles Caton and songwriter Raphael Saadiq. They will be joined by an extensive ensemble including dancer Misty Copeland, guitarists Eric Gales and Buddy Guy, vocalists Brittany Howard and Alice Smith, actor Jayme Lawson, and blues artists Christone "Kingfish" Ingram and Bobby Rush. The film itself has made Oscars history this season by securing a record number of nominations, underscoring its significant cultural footprint. As media analyst Dr. Lena Shaw observed, "Assembling a lineup of this caliber for a single performance is a strategic move. It elevates the nominated work to the level of a cultural moment, which is crucial for maintaining the ceremony's relevance in a fragmented media landscape." Additional participants include Josh Groban and the Los Angeles Master Chorale, with more artists expected to be announced.

The ceremony will be hosted by Conan O'Brien, the veteran comedian and former late-night talk show host known for his sharp wit and previous awards-hosting stints. It will be held at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles, a venue synonymous with the Oscars since it became the ceremony's permanent home in 2002. The event will be broadcast live on ABC and streamed on Hulu on Sunday, March 15, starting at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.m. PT, preceded by a red carpet pre-show at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT. This global broadcast will reach audiences in over 200 countries and territories, leveraging the Dolby Theatre's renowned acoustics and technical capacity to support these elaborate production numbers.