The 97th Academy Awards celebrated the legacy of James Bond with a breathtaking musical medley featuring Raye, Doja Cat, and LISA, who each performed iconic 007 themes on March 2, 2025, at the Dolby Theatre, Ovation Hollywood.
The tribute was introduced by Oscar winner Halle Berry, who played the character Jinx in the Bond film "Die Another Day." She highlighted the cultural impact of Bond films, stating, "They don’t just produce Bond movies, they were the heart and soul of this franchise for decades." The tribute was held to honor long-serving Bond producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, who were awarded the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award at the Governors Awards.
Following Berry’s introduction, Margaret Qualley opened the performance with an energetic dance number set to the iconic 007 theme. Dressed elegantly, she dazzled the audience with her choreography and set the stage for the subsequent artists.
Next, LISA, known for her role as the lead rapper and dancer of the K-pop sensation BLACKPINK, made history as the first K-pop idol to perform at the Oscars. She descended from the ceiling to deliver "Live and Let Die," the theme song originally performed by Wings for the 1973 Bond film of the same name. Dressed in vibrant red, LISA commanded the stage, supported by dancers dressed in matching red gowns, and received cheers from the audience as she let her voice soar.
After LISA's thrilling performance, Doja Cat took the spotlight, clad in a shimmering dress resembling dripping diamonds. She performed "Diamonds Are Forever," the iconic theme originally sung by Shirley Bassey for the 1971 Bond film of the same name. Doja Cat brought her unique flair to the classic, captivating the audience against a backdrop reminiscent of the film’s title sequence.
Closing the tribute was British singer Raye, performing "Skyfall," originally written and performed by Adele for the 2012 Bond film. Raye arrived on stage wearing a stunning black-and-white gown, reminiscent of Bond's classic tuxedo. Her powerful vocal performance left the audience entranced and was supported by a full orchestra.
Throughout the tribute, viewers reacted positively on social media, celebrating the contributions of all three artists. Comments such as "My Bond girls! Lisa, Raye and Doja sang their hearts out during this Academy Awards performance" highlighted the excitement surrounding the medley. One fan even called it “the crossover event of the century” as all three performers embraced on stage at the end of the segment.
The collaboration between Raye, Doja Cat, and LISA also drew attention as it follows their recent single "Born Again," completed just weeks prior and included on LISA’s upcoming album "Alter Ego." The medley served as both a celebration of the Bond legacy, known for its memorable music, and a reminder of the franchise's uncertain future, with no new Bond actor announced since Daniel Craig’s departure after "No Time To Die".
This tribute also marks the transition of the Bond franchise as Amazon MGM Studios recently took control, planning to co-own the franchise rights with Wilson and Broccoli. This change has fueled speculation about the future direction of the series, especially as the franchise has been historically managed by the Broccoli family since its inception.
Overall, the James Bond tribute at the Oscars showcased the timelessness of the franchise and its music, bridging generations of fans through the performances of Raye, Doja Cat, and LISA. Raye commented earlier about her admiration for the franchise, stating, "Obviously, I’d freaking love [to perform on a Bond track]. Are you joking? I love the Bond franchise… it would be an honour." This admiration was evident as they delivered the powerful tribute to one of entertainment’s longest-running icons.