Oscars 95th Ceremony: A Look at Performances, Presenters, and Traditions
The countdown to the Oscars 2023 has begun, with the event taking place over the weekend from Sunday, March 12 to Monday, March 13 in Spanish time. The red carpet will roll out on Sunday afternoon and into the night as stars arrive at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles to celebrate cinema’s finest achievements. The gala will be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, continuing his recent association with the ceremony, while a distinguished group of presenters will be on hand to hand out the coveted statuettes. Among the notable names slated to participate are Riz Ahmed, Emily Blunt, Glenn Close, and Jennifer Connelly, with additional appearances expected from Ariana DeBose, Samuel L. Jackson, Dwayne Johnson, Michael B. Jordan, and Zoe Saldaña. These selections reflect a blend of established icons and fresh faces drawn from different corners of the film industry.
On the evening itself, the ceremony promises more than the award announcements. In addition to the customary humor delivered by the host, the audience—whether in the theatre or watching at home—will enjoy a sequence of high-energy musical performances. These acts will spotlight songs that competed for the Best Original Song Oscar, offering viewers an immersive musical experience aligned with the night’s cinematic storytelling. While some confirmations are still being finalized by the Academy, several performers have already been publicly announced, creating anticipation for an unforgettable show.
The first performer publicly confirmed is Rihanna, the Bahamian singer known for her global hits. She will perform Lift Me Up, a track featured on the soundtrack for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The song credits music by Tems, Rihanna, Ryan Coogler, and Ludwig Göransson, with lyrics by Tems and Ryan Coogler. This performance marks Rihanna’s first nomination for an Oscar, highlighting a milestone in her expansive career.
Sofia Carson will join Diane Warren for a live rendition of Applause, a song associated with the film They Speak. Carson will interpret the piece while Warren contributes both music and lyrics, underscoring Warren’s long-running influence in the world of songcraft with fourteen nominations that this year reflect the composer’s continued relevance in musical cinema.
Another anticipated number is Naatu Naatu, drawn from the Indian production RRR. The track has already earned accolades at various film festivals, including a Golden Globes recognition, and it has become a strong favorite in the Best Original Song race. Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava are slated to perform the energetic number on stage, bringing a vibrant cultural dimension to the ceremony.
In a moment that underscores the ceremony’s tradition of honor and remembrance, Lenny Kravitz has announced his involvement in a Memorial segment. His performance will accompany a tribute to the film community members who have passed away since the previous edition, offering a somber and heartfelt moment that resonates with audiences worldwide.
As the planning for the gala advances, translators associated with the Academy will facilitate accessibility by explaining which artists join Rihanna, Kravitz, Carson, Sipligunj, and Bhairava on the stage. The aim is to ensure the event resonates with a global audience while celebrating the diverse voices that define contemporary cinema.