Blackpink's Lisa made history as she became the first K-pop artist to perform at the prestigious Academy Awards, showcasing her talent on Hollywood's grandest stage. The performance occurred during the 97th Academy Awards, held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on March 2, 2025, with Lisa collaborating with American rapper Doja Cat and British singer RAY to debut their new song "Born Again". The ceremony, which began at 7 PM PST and broadcast live on OCN, was attended by numerous celebrities, adding to the night’s glamour.
Addressing this landmark moment, Lisa expressed her excitement to be part of such a historic event and to represent K-pop, stating: "It's surreal to be here at the Oscars. I'm grateful for the opportunity to share our music on such a global stage." Outside of Lisa’s performance, the night was filled with much anticipation as the competition for the coveted Oscar statues was fierce.
This year's event had numerous films vying for top honors, with French director Jacques Audiard's "Emilia Perez" leading the nominations. The film received nods from various associations and was nominated for 13 categories, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actress. The Academy Awards ceremony was particularly relevant as it aimed to reflect the diversity and cultural richness of global cinema.
Many eyes were on Audiard's film, which portrays the life of a drug lord's transition and contains social themes around identity and transformation. The film's lead actress, Carla Sofia Gascon, is also notable as the first transgender actress to be nominated for the Best Actress award at the Oscars, making history within the awards' 97-year history.
Alongside "Emilia Perez," other films such as "The Brutalist", "Anora", and "Complete Unknown" were highly anticipated contenders. The competition is fierce, as both "Anora", which won the Golden Globe for Best Picture, and "The Brutalist", which has been recognized for its screenplay, have made headlines throughout awards season.
The animated category was also closely watched, with multiple acclaimed films nominated. After winning the Golden Globe, the Latvian film "Flow" rose as a strong contender, captivating audiences worldwide with its emotional storytelling and beautiful animation. The float’s director, Gints Zilbalodis, made headlines not just for the film itself but also by achieving a remarkable feat being the youngest recipient of this year's Best Animated Feature award.
Performing alongside iconic figures such as Ariana Grande and Queen Latifah, Lisa was part of celebrations highlighting showbiz’s brightest lights. The event was hosted by renowned personalities including TV presenter Ah Hyun-mo, pop columnist Kim Tae-hoon, and notable director Lee Kyung-mi, providing insights and engaging commentary throughout the ceremony.
Lisa's inclusion and her vibrant performance added to the momentum K-pop has gained globally, contributing to the narrative of music breaking barriers and reaching diverse audiences. Over the past few years, K-pop has gained immense popularity, paving paths for other Korean artists and acts to enter international markets.
This performance marks not just personal success for Lisa but also showcases the broader cultural significance of K-pop on the international stage. The Academy Award event is significant for various reasons, including its tradition of recognizing excellence within the film industry and providing visibility for global narratives.
Fans around the world tuned in, both to see their favorite artists and to check out the thrilling competition within various film categories. The Oscars are always hotly contested and this year’s selections truly reflect the remarkable variety and vibrancy of contemporary cinema.
With performances and winners being disputed until the last minute, the night proved memorable for entertainment enthusiasts. Blackpink's Lisa performing at the Oscars is bound to inspire many young artists who dream of bringing their music to the global arena.
Overall, the 97th Academy Awards were not only about winners and losers but celebrated the ever-growing significance of representational voices and stories within cinema. This cultural moment brought forth the intersection of music and film, heralding new opportunities and visibility for talents worldwide, especially from underrepresented communities.