‘Sinners’ Cast and Buddy Guy Electrify Oscars with ‘I Lied to You’ Performance, Michael B. Jordan Wins Best Actor

The 98th Academy Awards saw a powerful performance of “I Lied to You” from the cast of Sinners, alongside legendary blues musician Buddy Guy, captivating the audience at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on March 15, 2026. The performance recreated a pivotal juke joint scene from the film, featuring Miles Caton, Raphael Saadiq, Misty Copeland, Eric Gales, Brittany Howard, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Jayme Lawson, Li Jun Li, Bobby Rush, Shaboozey, and Alice Smith.

Michael B. Jordan’s Historic Win and Ryan Coogler’s Recognition

Sinners star Michael B. Jordan received the Best Actor award, marking his first win in his career. He expressed gratitude to Ryan Coogler, his longtime collaborator, for the opportunity to be part of the film. “I’m so honored to call you a collaborator and a friend,” Jordan said. “You gave me the opportunity and space for me to be seen.” He also thanked his supporters and the audience for their continued support of his work and the film.

Ryan Coogler took home the award for Best Original Screenplay for Sinners, receiving a standing ovation. He dedicated the award to the cast and crew, calling them “winners in my book,” and acknowledged his wife, Zinzi Coogler, his parents, and his children for their unwavering support.

Additional Wins for ‘Sinners’ and Other Honorees

Sinners continued its success with a win for Best Original Score. Autumn Durald Arkapaw made history by winning Best Cinematography, becoming the first woman and first woman of color to receive the award. She credited Coogler for believing in her and trusting her vision.

Other Notable Oscar Winners

• Best Picture: One Battle After Another (Adam Somner, Sara Murphy, and Paul Thomas Anderson)
• Best Director: Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another
• Actress in a Leading Role: Jessie Buckley, Hamnet
• Actor in a Supporting Role: Sean Penn, One Battle After Another
• Actress in a Supporting Role: Amy Madigan, Weapons
• Adapted Screenplay: Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another
• Animated Feature Film: KPop Demon Hunters (Maggie Kang, Chris Appelhans, and Michelle L.M. Wong)
• Animated Short Film: The Girl Who Cried Pearls (Chris Lavis and Maciek Szczerbowski)
• Costume Design: Kate Hawley, Frankenstein
• Best Casting: Cassandra Kulukundis, One Battle After Another
• Best Sound: Gareth John, Al Nelson, Gwendolyn Yates Whittle, Gary A. Rizzo, and Juan Peralta, F1
• Live Action Short Film: The Singers (Sam A. Davis and Jack Piatt) and Two People Exchanging Saliva (Alexandre Singh and Natalie Musteata) – Tie
• Makeup and Hairstyling: Mike Hill, Jordan Samuel, and Cliona Furey, Frankenstein
• Original Song: EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seon, and Teddy Park, “Golden”
• Documentary Feature Film: Mr. Nobody Against Putin (A Pink Production)
• Documentary Short Film: All the Empty Rooms (Joshua Seftel and Conall Jones)
• Film Editing: Andy Jurgensen, One Battle After Another
• International Feature Film: Sentimental Film (Norway)
• Production Design: Tamara Deverell; Set Decoration: Shane Vieau, Frankenstein
• Visual Effects: Joe Letteri, Richard Baneham, Eric Saindon, and Daniel Barrett, Avatar: Fire and Ash