Summary (tl;dr)

Celebrated ballerina Misty Copeland, alongside "Sinners" star Miles Caton and musicians like Brittany Howard and Shaboozey, recently delivered a widely discussed performance of the Oscar-nominated song "I Lied to You" from the film "Sinners" at the 98th Academy Awards. The performance followed Copeland's public response to controversial comments made by actor Timothée Chalamet regarding ballet and opera.

Essential Background

The film "Sinners," a 2025 supernatural horror film directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan, garnered significant attention leading up to the Oscars with a record-breaking 16 nominations. One of its acclaimed original songs, "I Lied to You," performed by Miles Caton in the movie, was nominated for Best Original Song. Days before the Oscars, actor Timothée Chalamet made remarks suggesting that "no one cares anymore" about ballet and opera, which drew criticism from artists, including Misty Copeland, who emphasized the enduring relevance and influence of these classical art forms.

The Full Story

At the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026, Misty Copeland made a highly anticipated return to the stage, performing a ballet sequence during a star-studded rendition of "I Lied to You" from "Sinners." She joined "Sinners" cast member Miles Caton, who led the vocals, along with musicians Raphael Saadiq, Brittany Howard, and Shaboozey, among others, in a performance that recreated a pivotal scene from the film. Copeland's appearance was particularly impactful as she had recently undergone hip replacement surgery and her performance was seen by many as a powerful rebuttal to Chalamet's earlier controversial comments about classical dance. The performance earned a standing ovation, including from Chalamet himself.

Why It Matters

This trending event highlights several significant points: the immense cultural impact and critical success of the film "Sinners"; the enduring relevance and power of classical art forms like ballet in contemporary popular culture, especially when integrated into major entertainment events like the Oscars; and the continued influence of artists like Misty Copeland in advocating for and inspiring diversity and representation in the arts. The performance sparked widespread discussion about the interplay between different artistic disciplines and their historical significance.

Geographic Location

• Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States (98th Academy Awards ceremony and performance)