The Academy Awards will bring back live performances of Best Original Song nominees in 2026, but only for two of the five nominated tracks.
Producers confirmed that “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters and “I Lied to You” from Sinners will be performed live during the ceremony. The remaining three nominees will be introduced through custom-produced segments featuring footage from their respective films and behind-the-scenes material.
In a letter sent to the music nominees, executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan, along with producer Taryn Hurd, said the decision was driven by limited time in the broadcast and a desire to create a faster, more cohesive show. They emphasized that all nominated songs would still receive dedicated recognition and storytelling focus during the telecast.
The producers noted that the two selected songs played a defining role in their films’ global impact and audience connection this year. Special segments are planned to highlight how music helped those stories resonate with viewers worldwide.
The Oscars broadcast has faced time management challenges in recent years. In 2025, live song performances were removed entirely, yet the ceremony still exceeded its scheduled runtime. For 2026, the show has also added a new category for Best Casting, further increasing pressure on the program’s length.
The 2026 Academy Awards will be hosted by Conan O’Brien for the second consecutive year and will air live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 15. The ceremony will be broadcast on ABC and Hulu beginning at 4 p.m. Pacific time.
