Misty Copeland captivated audiences at the 98th Academy Awards with her stunning performance of “I Lied To You,” a nominee for Best Original Song from the film *Sinners*. The event, held on 15 March at the Dolby Theatre, featured an ensemble cast that included the talented country star Shaboozey, as well as vocalists Miles Caton and Raphael Saadiq, all of whom collaborated on the track for the horror-action film released in 2025.
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The performance was particularly noteworthy for its elaborate visual presentation, recreating the essence of a “Pierce the Veil” sequence from *Sinners*. Dancers embodied various musical influences within a 1930s juke joint, creating an immersive atmosphere that resonated with the audience. Highlighting the depth of the performance, Alabama Shakes frontwoman Brittany Howard also contributed her vocals while actor Jack O’Connell, a cast member of the film, could be seen enjoying the performance amidst the audience.
Timothée Chalamet, who was nominated for Best Actor for his role in *Marty Supreme*, provided a standing ovation following the performance. His enthusiastic response came in the wake of recent controversy surrounding comments he made dismissing ballet and opera during a town hall meeting with actor Matthew McConaughey.
Copeland’s appearance was significant, occurring just days after she publicly responded to Chalamet’s remarks. On 8 March, during a panel event for Aveeno and TOGETHXR in New York City, she expressed her thoughts on his assertions, highlighting the importance of ballet and opera to the cultural landscape. “It’s very interesting that he invited me to be a part of promoting *Marty Supreme* with respect to my art form,” she stated, emphasising the relevance of these traditional disciplines even if they are not as popular as mainstream cinema.
As a prominent figure in the ballet community, Copeland further stated that Chalamet and other actors owe some of their opportunities to the foundational aspects of performance art that ballet and opera provide. She remarked that while these art forms may not dominate pop culture, their significance endures and influences a wide range of creative expressions.
Earlier in March, Copeland revealed on social media that she had recently undergone hip surgery, sharing her focus on recovery and healing. Her performance at the Oscars showcased not only her incredible talent but also highlighted her resilience as she continues her career after surgery.
The planned tribute to *Sinners* was a key element of the Oscars ceremony. Executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan aimed to accentuate the film’s unique visual style through the performance, which also featured a variety of artists, including the renowned Eric Gales and Buddy Guy, alongside Copeland and Shaboozey.
The rendition of “I Lied To You” was one of only two performances dedicated to films showcased during the ceremony. The other performance, serving as a nod to the Best Animated Feature nominee *KPop Demon Hunters*, included a fusion of traditional Korean instrumentalists and dance, demonstrating the broad spectrum of artistic expressions present at the event.
The 98th Academy Awards not only recognised outstanding film achievements but also celebrated the diverse talents within the entertainment industry. Performers like Copeland and her fellow artists brought their own unique flair to the occasion, reminding audiences of the importance of various art forms in contemporary culture.
As the event concludes and highlights continue to circulate, the performances are sure to leave a lasting impression, particularly Copeland’s grace and artistry, which stands as a testament to the power of dance and its place within the broader narrative of the arts.