Timothée Chalamet Gives Standing Ovation for Misty Copeland After Her Rousing Sinners Performance at 2026 Oscars

Misty Copeland and Shaboozey performed 'I Lied To You' from Sinners at the 98th Academy Awards, along with Miles Caton and Raphael Saadiq

Mar. 16, 2026 at 12:48am

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At the 98th Academy Awards, Misty Copeland and Shaboozey lent their talents to a show-stopping rendition of 'I Lied To You' from the film Sinners, which was nominated for Best Original Song. The performance also featured Miles Caton and Raphael Saadiq. Timothée Chalamet, who was nominated for Best Actor for Marty Supreme, gave the performance a standing ovation from the audience. Copeland's appearance comes after she responded to Chalamet's controversial comments on ballet and opera.

Why it matters

Copeland's performance at the Oscars showcased her talent and the continued relevance of ballet and opera, despite Chalamet's previous comments dismissing these art forms. The standing ovation from Chalamet, who had faced backlash for his remarks, suggests a shift in the perception of these classical art forms.

The details

Misty Copeland, 43, and country star Shaboozey, 30, joined Miles Caton and Raphael Saadiq to perform 'I Lied To You' from the film Sinners at the 98th Academy Awards. The performance featured a recreation of a 'Pierce the Veil' sequence from the film, with dancers representing generations of musical influence gathered inside a 1930s Mississippi juke joint. Alabama Shakes frontwoman Brittany Howard added vocals to the performance, and Sinners star Jack O'Connell was spotted dancing in the audience. The performance concluded with Copeland's powerful ballet moves taking center stage.

  • The 98th Academy Awards took place on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
  • Copeland addressed Chalamet's comments about ballet and opera on a panel in New York City on March 8, 2026.

The players

Misty Copeland

A famed ballerina who made history in 2015 as the first Black woman promoted to principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre.

Timothée Chalamet

An actor nominated for Best Actor for his role in the film Marty Supreme.

Shaboozey

A 30-year-old country star who performed 'I Lied To You' from Sinners at the Oscars.

Miles Caton

An actor who starred in the film Sinners.

Raphael Saadiq

A musician who collaborated on the track 'I Lied To You' for the film Sinners.

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What they’re saying

“First I have to say that it's very interesting that he invited me to be a part of promoting Marty Supreme with respect to my art form. I think that it's important that we acknowledge that, yes, this is an art form that's not 'popular' and a part of pop culture as movies are. But that doesn't mean it doesn't have enduring relevance in culture.”

— Misty Copeland, Ballerina

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.