The stage in Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre was graced with many a talent this evening, no question about it – though one performance brought a palpable energy to celebrate not only a multi-category nominee (that also happened to sweep other major award shows) but a rich history embedded within a nation.
Miles Caton lead a performance of “I Lied To You” during the 98th Annual Academy Awards that began and finished as if reenactment of a scene from the film, seemingly cut out nearly exactly but this time with a stage accompanied by a visual audience – an acoustic version, if you will. As the scene flourished, so did the music as various characters began appearing onstage.
As Caton wanders with his guitar between dancers while singing the first verse, he is shortly joined by Shaboozey as he adds vocals and Brittany Howard with her accompanying strings. Not only did musicians participate but so did dancers representing different cultures in traditional garb from different places in time, much like the movie scene – and the appearance of actors (like Li Jun Li) from the film added to the performance’s magic. The cultivation of life and humanity created a warm vibe, then finished with a ballet cameo from the lovely Misty Copeland.
The appearance of renowned ballerina, Misty Copeland may feel a bit tongue in cheek considering the recent controversy regarding Oscar-nominee, Timothy Chalomet who happened to be sitting in the front row of the ceremony’s audience though it still appeared to be in good fun. Regardless, the performance was met with thundering applause and a standing ovation including nods of approval from the film’s star, Michael B. Jordan.
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