The stage is officially set for the 98th Academy Awards. The Academy Press Office has announced the first wave of musical performers for the ceremony, which is scheduled to take place on March 15, 2026. Comedian Conan O’Brien will lead the night as host, overseeing a show that promises to blend traditional awards with immersive cinematic tributes.

Highlighting the lineup, EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami are confirmed to perform "Golden" from the film KPop Demon Hunters. According to the Academy, these musical segments are being designed as high-concept tributes to the nominated films rather than standard stage sets. Telegraph India reports that a win for the KPop Demon Hunters track would mark a historic moment for the genre at the Oscars.

The evening will also feature a performance of "I Lied to You" from the film Sinners. Miles Caton and Raphael Saadiq will take the stage together to deliver the soulful track. With Conan O'Brien at the helm and a focus on record-breaking films, the 2026 ceremony aims to capture the "cinematic" energy of the year's biggest hits.