Just two of the five Best Original Song nominees will be performed live at this year’s Oscars ceremony in a move fans say “reeks of favoritism.”
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences shared in a letter to music nominees that “Golden” from “KPop Demon Hunters” — also tapped for Best Animated Feature Film — and “I Lied to You” from Best Picture nominee “Sinners” are the only contenders that will be performed on March 15, according to the notice published by Variety.
The Academy attributed the move to “the limited time within the broadcast,” stretched further due to the new category of Best Casting, as well as “a desire to create a fast-paced, entertaining and cohesive show.”
Warner Bros. Pictures via AP
This image released by Warner Bros Pictures shows a scene from “Sinners.” (Warner Bros. Pictures via AP)
Also nominated are “Dear Me,” from “Diane Warren: Relentless” — marking Warren’s 17th nomination in the category — as well as “Sweet Dreams of Joy” from the documentary, “Viva Verdi!” and “Train Dreams,” from the Best Picture nominee of the same name.
Rather than all songs receiving the live treatment, they will all “be introduced through a bespoke package built from footage of the film it was written for,” with some including “behind-the-scenes elements that offer insight into the songwriting process and creative intent,” according to the letter.
Social media-wide promotions will reportedly still extend to all the nominees.
“We so look forward to honoring it on the show,” said the Academy. “These are complex decisions, so please feel free to call with any questions.”
Film fans read between the lines with a bit less diplomacy, with one tweeting: “They really went ‘Well none of the others have a chance at winning nor are culturally relevant, so f–k off.’”
“Sinners,” for its part, is leading the Oscar nominations with a record-breaking 16 noms.
“If the Oscars aren’t willing to try having all of the songs perform, then none of them should perform. It’s an insult to decide well in advance that only some of the songs are worthy of being showcased and some aren’t worthy of that,” read another tweet.
Another agreed, dubbing the move “ridiculous” as it “reeks of favoritism. I hope the other 3 nominees kick some dust about this BS.”
“Boo hiss the people want ‘sweet dreams of joy,’” tweeted one.
So concurred another fan of the song, as its “vocals would be fire on live TV.”
The 98th Oscars will air on ABC at 7 p.m. ET on March 15 and stream simultaneously on Hulu
