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 also, a rich history deeply 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 a reenactment of a scene from the film, seemingly cut out nearly exactly from a storyboard but this time, with a stage accompanied by a live audience – an acoustic version, if you will. As the scene flourished, so did the music as various characters began appearing onstage. 

Step inside the juke joint.

Miles Caton and Raphael Saadiq performing “I Lied to You” from SINNERS at the 98th #Oscars, joined by Misty Copeland, Eric Gales, Buddy Guy, Brittany Howard, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Jayme Lawson, Li Jun Li, Bobby Rush, Alice Smith and Shaboozey. pic.twitter.com/76U6mxWdT4

— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 16, 2026

The song’s co-writer, Raphael Saadiq opened the performance with a blues guitar riff and spoke the lyrics, “So preach on, speak your words / I know the truth hurts / So I lied to you”.  As Caton wandered with his singing guitar between thematic dancers while crooning the first verse, he was shortly joined by Shaboozey as he adds vocals along with Alice Smith; Then appeared Brittany Howard, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Eric Gales & Raphael Thomas with their accompanying strings followed by the added presence of Blues legends, Buddy Guy alongside Bobby Rush as he played his harmonica – it was a display of immense musical appreciation that highlighted well-known musicians while also elevating local Mississippi musicians with a spotlight of widespread support.

Not only did musicians participate but so did dancers representing different global cultures in traditional garb from different places in time, much like the movie scene. The appearance of additional actors from the film, like Li Jun Li & Jayme Lawson, added to the performance’s magic, especially when their co-stars that play as the villainous vampire trio (Jack O’Connell, Lola Kirke, and Peter Dreimanis) were denied entry to the stage at the foot of the stairs while in character. The cultivation of life, art & humanity created a warm vibe, then finished with a ballet cameo from the lovely Misty Copeland. 

The song has been nominated 5 times this award season and has won 2 awards: Best Song Written and/or Recorded For Film at the Guild of Music Supervisors Awards, and Song – Feature Film & Song – Onscreen Performance (Film) at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards.

The appearance of renowned & retired 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 & its director, Ryan Coogler. Watch the memorable moment below: