Oscars Face Fresh Backlash Over Limited Live Song Performances
Explaining the decision, the producers said the two selected songs had played a defining role in achieving cultural impact and had resonated strongly with global audiences
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has long been criticised for decisions related to its Oscars telecast that often trigger industry-wide outcry. This pattern began in 2019, when the Academy decided not to air awards for eight below-the-line categories, including Best Documentary Short, Film Editing, Makeup and Hairstyling, Music, and Production Design. The move deeply disappointed artists, many of whom wrote open letters expressing their anger and frustration.
Following sustained backlash, the Academy reversed its decision in subsequent years and restored the telecast of all categories, ensuring that no nominated artists were sidelined.
Last year, however, the Academy again attempted to reduce the show’s bloated runtime by removing one of its most celebrated elements: live performances by the nominated singers. Despite cutting these performances, the broadcast still exceeded its intended three-and-a-half-hour duration. Viewers and industry members alike argued that award shows are not only about watching actors and directors win, but also about music, comedy, performances, and even unexpected moments that make the show memorable.
For the upcoming Oscars, scheduled to be telecast on March 15, the Academy has announced the return of live performances—but only for two of the five nominated songs. The decision has once again sparked criticism, with the Academy citing time constraints and the introduction of the new “Best Casting” category as reasons.
In a letter sent to this year’s music nominees, Oscars executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, along with producer Taryn Hurd, confirmed that only “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters and “I Lied to You” from Sinners will be performed live on stage. The remaining nominees—“Train Dreams” from Train Dreams, “Dear Me” from the documentary Diane Warren: Relentless, and “Sweet Dreams of Joy” from Viva Verdi—will instead be recognised through pre-recorded segments featuring scenes and behind-the-scenes footage from their respective films.
Explaining the decision, the producers said the two selected songs had played a defining role in achieving cultural impact and had resonated strongly with global audiences. They assured the other nominees that their contributions would still be honoured, stating: “Your work is an integral part of our cinematic ecosystem, and we so look forward to honoring it on the show.”
Comedian and American talk show host Conan O’Brien is set to host this year’s Oscars following a positive response to his previous outing. Ryan Coogler’s Sinners leads the nominations with a record-breaking 16 nods, while Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another is widely predicted to win several major awards.
