‘Sinners’ Stars Recreate the ‘Pierce the Veil’ Sequence With Stunning Oscar Performance of ‘I Lied to You’

The 98th Academy Awards featured a memorable tribute to the celebrated film "Sinners," highlighted by a live recreation of its pivotal "Pierce the Veil" musical sequence. Designed as a visual homage to the movie's aesthetic, the performance showcased the Oscar-nominated original song "I Lied to You." An ensemble led by musicians Miles Caton and Raphael Saadiq delivered the number on a set meticulously modeled after the film's iconic Club Juke, joined by guitarist Eric Gales, blues legend Buddy Guy, and prima ballerina Misty Copeland.

Raphael Saadiq, a three-time Grammy winner known for his work with the group Tony! Toni! Toné! and his influential solo career, opened the segment on guitar before passing it to Miles Caton. Caton, who portrayed the younger version of the protagonist Sammie, sang the opening verse with support from country-rap artist Shaboozey. The performance then swelled to a powerful finale featuring guitarist Brittany Howard, vocalist Alice Smith, and Misty Copeland, whose expressive ballet solo brought the number to a close. This appearance followed prior live performances of the song by Caton and Saadiq on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" and at the American Cinematheque Awards, building momentum for its awards season recognition.

Within the film, the song is central to a defining scene where Sammie's performance at a juke joint visually maps the lineage of Black musical tradition. The film's soundtrack, which has drawn widespread critical praise, is directly inspired by 1930s and 1940s blues pioneers. A key influence was Robert Johnson, the Mississippi Delta bluesman whose mythic, brief career in the 1930s produced foundational tracks like "Cross Road Blues" and profoundly influenced generations of rock musicians. This commitment to deep musical authenticity was a significant factor in the film's acclaim, grounding its narrative in historical sound.

"I Lied to You" was one of two songs from "Sinners" entered for Oscar consideration, the other being the soulful duet "Last Time (I Seen the Sun)" performed by Alice Smith and Miles Caton. The Best Original Song nomination contributed to the film's historic total of 16 Oscar nominations—a record-breaking tally that included Best Picture, Best Director, and multiple acting nods. As music historian Dr. Lena Shaw noted, "This level of recognition for a film so deeply rooted in musical history underscores how a powerful soundtrack can drive narrative and emotional resonance, ensuring a lasting cultural footprint." The film's success reflects a broader Academy trend of honoring music-driven narratives, similar to the acclaim received by previous winners like "La La Land."