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Oscars Will Stage Only Two Best Original Song Performances at 98th Academy Awards

Producers say tight runtime and the new Casting award led them to feature “Golden” and “I Lied to You” as the broadcast’s live musical moments.

Overview

  • The other three nominated songs will not be performed live and will instead be presented through bespoke film packages with additional promotion on Academy social channels.
  • A letter confirming the plan was signed by executive producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan and producer Taryn Hurd, according to reporting that obtained the notice.
  • Sources involved in planning estimate staging all five performances would add about 25 minutes to a telecast contractually set for three and a half hours with 24 competitive categories.
  • Producers said the two selections reflect outsized global cultural impact and audience connection, while online reactions criticized the approach as showing favoritism.
  • The March 15 ceremony will air from the Dolby Theatre on ABC and Hulu with Conan O’Brien hosting, and Sinners leads this year’s nominations with a record 16.