Exciting Highlights of the 98th Academy Awards: Performances, Reunions, and Tributes
A Year of Change in Hollywood
The year 2025 has been quite significant for Hollywood, marked by both challenges and triumphs. It commenced with the catastrophic fires in California, the loss of several prominent figures in the industry, and the impending acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by another studio. As the 98th Academy Awards approaches on March 15, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is preparing for a memorable event filled with special moments. The ceremony will feature reunions of beloved film casts, performances from nominated films like Sinners, and heartfelt tributes to those we've lost, all hosted by the returning Conan O’Brien.
Best Original Song Performances
Best Original Song performances
During the ceremony, only two nominated films will present their songs live at the Dolby Theatre on March 15. The 98th edition will showcase performances for Best Original Song from KPop Demon Hunters and Sinners. The talented trio behind KPop Demon Hunters, HUNTR/X, featuring EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, will perform a fusion of traditional Korean music and dance, celebrating their hit song Golden from the Netflix animated film.
Additionally, Sinners actor Miles Caton will collaborate with songwriter Raphael Saadiq to perform I Lied to You from the Ryan Coogler film, accompanied by ballet dancer Misty Copeland and a host of musicians including Eric Gales, Shaboozey, Brittany Howard, and others.
Star-Studded Cast Reunions
Movie cast reunion
Oscar producers Raj Kapoor and Katy Mullan have announced an exciting reunion of Marvel superheroes, alongside some major stars and an alien character. The upcoming Avengers sequel, Doomsday, is set to premiere in December. Furthermore, the comedy classic Bridesmaids will celebrate its 15th anniversary with a reunion featuring Oscar nominee Rose Byrne, Maya Rudolph, Kristen Wiig, Ellie Kemper, and Melissa McCarthy. Rumors also suggest that Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, and Emily Blunt may reunite for a special segment dedicated to The Devil Wears Prada, which is set to release its sequel on May 1, 20 years after the original.
Honoring Hollywood Legends
Tributes to Hollywood legends
Despite their surprise reunion at last year's Oscars for When Harry Met Sally, Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal are reportedly returning to pay tribute to Rob Reiner, who tragically passed away last year alongside his wife, Michele Singer Reiner. They will appear during the In Memoriam segment. Additionally, Barbra Streisand is in discussions to perform a tribute to her The Way We Were co-star Robert Redford. This year's In Memoriam segment will be extended to honor several Hollywood icons who have passed away in 2025.