LOS ANGELES, 16 March 2026 – Acclaimed ballerina Misty Copeland commanded the global stage last night, delivering a powerful performance at the 98th Academy Awards that served as both a stunning artistic display and a pointed cultural rebuttal. The retired principal dancer took centre stage during the live rendition of “I Lied to You” from the nominated film Sinners, a move widely interpreted as a graceful response to recent controversial comments about ballet’s relevance.
A Historic Performer
Misty Danielle Copeland (born 10 September 1982) is an American ballet dancer who made history in 2015 by becoming the first African American female principal dancer with the prestigious American Ballet Theatre. Her 25-year career with the company, which included a promotion to soloist in 2007, redefined classical ballet and established her as a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in the arts. Her creative work extended beyond the ballet stage, encompassing Broadway performances and significant cultural collaborations.
The Oscars Moment: Art as Answer
The performance at the Oscars ceremony on Sunday, 15 March, became an instant viral moment. Copeland, alongside musicians Shaboozey, Miles Caton, and Raphael Saadiq, performed a choreographed piece to the song from the Best Picture-nominated Sinners. Notably, she borrowed a costume from the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s archives for the occasion.
The context of her appearance added profound layers to the performance. It came just days after Best Actor nominee Timothée Chalamet made headlines for remarks perceived as dismissive of ballet and opera. Social media and commentators noted the poetic justice of Copeland—a titan of the ballet world—performing directly in front of Chalamet in the audience. Public reaction, captured in forums and live blogs, celebrated the move, with many praising the Academy for the clever staging. Chalamet himself was seen giving Copeland a standing ovation at the conclusion of her number.
Beyond the Stage: Advocacy and Legacy
Even in retirement, which was formally marked by a farewell performance at Lincoln Centre in October 2025, Copeland remains a formidable force in the cultural landscape. Just last week, she participated in a panel celebrating the launch of ‘The Strength Issue’ in collaboration with Aveeno and TOGETHXR, continuing her work as a role model and advocate.
Her performance at the Oscars underscores her enduring status as a cultural icon. It demonstrated that her influence transcends the theatre, allowing her to command one of the world’s largest audiences to make a statement about the vitality and importance of her art form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Misty Copeland?
Misty Copeland is a trailblazing American ballet dancer who, in 2015, became the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer in the 85-year history of the American Ballet Theatre.
What did she do at the 2026 Oscars?
On 15 March 2026, Misty Copeland performed a ballet piece during the live performance of “I Lied to You” from the film Sinners. The performance was seen as a poignant response to recent public comments questioning the contemporary relevance of ballet.
Is Misty Copeland retired?
Yes, Misty Copeland retired from the American Ballet Theatre in October 2025 after a 25-year career with the company. Her Oscars appearance was a special performance following her retirement.
Why was her Oscars performance significant?
The performance was significant both artistically and culturally. It showcased ballet on cinema’s biggest night and was widely interpreted as a powerful, non-verbal rebuttal to dismissive statements about the art form, reaffirming its power and relevance.