Memphis, Mid-South Musicians Set to Perform at Oscars Ceremony

Blues guitarist Eric Gales and musician Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram to take the stage at the 98th Academy Awards.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 3:34am

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Memphis-born blues guitarist Eric Gales and Clarksdale musician Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram are set to perform at Sunday's Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles in celebration of the film Sinners. The track 'I Lied to You' from the film's soundtrack is nominated for Best Original Song, and Gales and Ingram are scheduled to take the stage to perform the nominated song.

Why it matters

The Oscars performance will be a major moment for Memphis and the Mississippi Delta region, showcasing the musical talent that has emerged from the area. The recognition of Sinners, which is the most nominated film in Academy Awards history, further highlights the cultural significance of the region.

The details

Gales played guitar for two songs in the film's soundtrack, which is also nominated in the Best Original Score category. 'Kingfish' Ingram produced and wrote multiple tracks from the album, and served as a music consultant for composer Ludwig Göransson. The 'I Lied to You' performance is scheduled to air within the first 30-to-45 minutes of the Oscars broadcast and will feature a lineup of stars from the film and its soundtrack.

  • The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, March 16, 2026.

The players

Eric Gales

A Memphis-born blues guitarist who played guitar for two songs in the Sinners film soundtrack.

Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram

A musician from Clarksdale, Mississippi who produced and wrote multiple tracks from the Sinners soundtrack and served as a music consultant for the film's composer.

Sinners

A film set in Clarksdale, Mississippi that is the most nominated film in Academy Awards history with 16 nominations.

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What they’re saying

“On the flight know that we were headed out to do something very monumental, and cement some things that's going to last quite some time in the books of history. I think it's going to be something the entire world will be talking about. It is that exciting.”

— Eric Gales, Musician (Action News 5)

What’s next

The Oscars performance by Gales, Ingram, and the other artists will be a highly anticipated moment that could generate significant buzz and attention for the film Sinners and the musical talent of the Memphis and Mississippi Delta region.

The takeaway

The inclusion of Memphis and Mississippi Delta musicians in the Oscars performance for the film Sinners showcases the rich musical heritage of the region and its continued influence on the entertainment industry. This recognition highlights the cultural significance of the area and the lasting impact it has had on music worldwide.