The 2026 Oscars delivered loads of unforgettable performances, however one second that actually stood out was the reside rendition of “I Lied to You” from the movie Sinners. Take a look at the all-star lineup of gifted artists, who recreated one of many movie’s strongest scenes inside.
This reside Sinners efficiency reworked the Dolby Theatre right into a full-scale musical celebration of Black artistry, tradition, and historical past. Led by actor and musician Miles Caton and legendary songwriter Raphael Saadiq, the stage rapidly stuffed with a gifted roster of musicians, actors, and dancers who reimagined one of many movie’s most iconic scenes.
RELATED CONTENT: Autumn Durald Arkapaw Makes Historical past As The First Girl Of Colour To Win Oscar For Greatest Cinematography
The Hollywood Reporter shared that the efficiency was designed to reflect the juke joint scene from Sinners, the place Caton’s character Sammie Moore performs the tune whereas a lineage of Black music unfolds round him. Saadiq opened the phase with a guitar solo earlier than Caton stepped ahead to ship the tune’s opening verse. The second immediately transported viewers again into the movie’s world, mixing blues, soul, and hip-hop influences right into a single highly effective reside expertise.
The tribute rapidly expanded into one thing far larger than a conventional awards-show efficiency. As reported by Selection, the quantity featured a powerful ensemble of musicians and performers who joined Caton and Saadiq on stage to have fun the legacy of Black music throughout generations. Legendary blues musicians shared the highlight with up to date artists, whereas actors from the movie recreated the juke joint environment.
The efficiency additionally featured choreography and dance components that mirrored totally different eras of Black cultural expression. One of the talked-about moments got here when ballet icon Misty Copeland made a shocking look, performing a dance sequence in the course of the climax of the tune. Her return to the stage drew a significant response from the viewers and rapidly turned one of many evening’s most memorable highlights.
By the tip of the quantity, the stage had turn out to be a full celebration of music, motion, and storytelling. The digicam later lower to director Ryan Coogler and star Michael B. Jordan cheering from the viewers as their collaborators acquired a standing ovation.
Maintain studying for the efficiency and checklist of performers.
For viewers who need to relive the second, the full efficiency can be watched beneath:
The Performers:
Essential Performers
Miles CatonRaphael Saadiq
Musicians and Vocalists
Buddy GuyBrittany HowardShaboozeyChristone ‘Kingfish’ IngramEric GalesBobby RushAlice SmithD-Good
Featured Dancer
Misty Copeland
Forged Members from Sinners
Jayme LawsonLi Jun LiWunmi MosakuJack O’ConnellLola KirkePeter Dreimanis
Collectively, the ensemble created a efficiency that honored the movie’s musical roots whereas celebrating the deep cultural affect of Black music throughout generations. By the tip of the quantity, it was clear that “I Lied to You” was greater than a tune from a movie. It was a full tribute to the legacy of the artists who helped form the sound of American music.
A phenomenal second certainly.
RELATED CONTENT: Black Oscar Winners — A Timeline Of The 25 Performances Hollywood Couldn’t Ignore

