The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has decided to limit live musical performances at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards to only two of the nominated original songs. This adjustment is due to time constraints and broader structural modifications to the telecast. The chosen songs for live presentation are 'Golden' from the animated film 'KPop Demon Hunters' and 'I Lied to You' from the vampire drama 'Sinners'. While other nominated songs will not have live performances, the Academy aims to honor them through specially produced cinematic segments that integrate footage from their respective films, providing context and insight into their creation.
This year's Academy Awards, scheduled for March 15, will feature a condensed approach to musical numbers to maintain a fast-paced and cohesive show. Executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, along with producer Taryn Hurd, communicated this decision to all music nominees. Their letter explained that the original song category would remain a fully integrated part of the broadcast, with a focus on storytelling for each nominated piece. This includes showcasing how each song contributes to its film's narrative and cultural impact.
The change also comes with the introduction of a new casting Oscar category, further emphasizing the need for efficient time management during the ceremony. Sources close to the planning indicate that incorporating live performances for all five nominated songs would extend the telecast by approximately 25 minutes, a significant duration for a show already set to run for three and a half hours. This strategic move aims to ensure a dynamic presentation of all 24 competitive categories without compromising the overall flow of the event. The Academy also plans to offer additional promotional support for all nominees across its official social media platforms, including collaborations with platforms like Spotify, to enhance their visibility.
The decision to highlight only two live performances underlines the Academy's commitment to delivering a polished and engaging show. Each song will be introduced with a custom segment, using film footage and behind-the-scenes material to connect the music deeply with its cinematic origins. This approach seeks to ensure that all nominated works receive due recognition within the broadcast's limited timeframe, emphasizing their importance to the cinematic ecosystem. Conan O'Brien is set to host the 98th Academy Awards, promising an entertaining evening despite the changes to the musical segment.