Misty Copeland Performs at 98th Oscars After Retirement

Misty Copeland, the trailblazing ballerina and former principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre, made a triumphant return to the stage at the 98th Academy Awards on March 15, 2026, performing a graceful pointe sequence during a live rendition of "I Lied to You," the Best Original Song nominee from the film Sinners. The surprise appearance at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles marked her first public performance since retiring from ABT in October 2025 and undergoing hip replacement surgery just two months later, captivating an audience that included fellow nominees and rising to a standing ovation.

The ensemble performance brought to life a pivotal scene from Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan, who won the Best Actor award that night. Led by songwriters Miles Caton and Raphael Saadiq, the group recreated the film's juke joint setting, blending blues, soul, and diverse dance styles including twerking, breakdancing, Xiqu, and Zaouli. Copeland, dressed in a fiery red leotard with feather details reminiscent of her role in The Firebird, wove through the musicians with sweeping turns and precise movements toward the segment's close. Joining her...