Renowned ballerina Misty Copeland is set to take the stage at the 98th Academy Awards, joining musicians Miles Caton and Raphael Saadiq for a performance of the song I Lied to You from the film Sinners. The announcement has drawn extra attention following Copeland’s recent response to comments made by actor Timothée Chalamet about ballet and opera. Chalamet sparked debate across the arts community after remarks he made during a Variety/CNN Town Hall conversation with Matthew McConaughey went viral online. During the discussion, the Dune and Wonka star suggested that he would not want to work in ballet or opera, describing them as fields where artists sometimes try to “keep something alive even though no one cares about it anymore.”
The comment quickly triggered backlash from performers and artists within the ballet and opera worlds, many of whom argued that the art forms remain culturally important and deeply influential.
Among those who responded was Misty Copeland, one of the most prominent ballerinas of her generation. Speaking at a panel event for Aveeno, Copeland addressed the broader conversation around the value of classical art forms. She noted that while ballet and opera may not be as commercially popular as blockbuster films, that does not diminish their cultural significance.
Copeland also pointed out that many elements of modern film and theatre trace their roots back to traditions developed in opera and ballet. According to her, actors working in cinema today benefit from artistic foundations that were shaped by these centuries-old art forms.
She emphasized that different artistic mediums can coexist without needing to compete with each other, adding that each form contributes something unique to the cultural landscape.
The timing of Copeland’s upcoming Oscars performance has added an interesting layer to the ongoing conversation, as Chalamet is nominated for Best Actor for his role in Marty Supreme at this year’s ceremony.
Despite the controversy surrounding his comments, it remains unclear whether the debate will have any effect on the Oscar race. Reports suggest that many of the Academy’s roughly 11,000 voting members may have already cast their ballots before the remarks became widely discussed.
Chalamet has already secured several major wins during the awards season, including Best Actor at the Golden Globes and the Critics’ Choice Awards for his performance in Marty Supreme.
As the Oscars approach, Copeland’s performance promises to be one of the evening’s highlights. The appearance also serves as a reminder of the enduring presence of classical art forms in modern entertainment, even as debates about their relevance continue within the industry.