Misty Copeland made an unexpected appearance during the 2026 Academy Awards, stepping onto the Dolby Theatre stage in a dramatic costume inspired by one of her most recognizable ballet roles.
The retired American Ballet Theatre principal dancer joined a live performance of “I Lied to You,” the Oscar-nominated song from Sinners. The performance featured several artists connected to the film, including actor Miles Caton, songwriter Raphael Saadiq, Shaboozey, and Alice Smith.
According to Vogue, Copeland appeared amid feathers, jewel-toned fabric, and flame-colored accents while moving across the stage as the music built. The look and movement referenced her long association with The Firebird, a role she performed during her career with American Ballet Theatre.
Göransson explained that Copeland had already influenced the film’s imagery. “In the movie, Misty is referenced by the red ballerina,” she said, describing a dancer who appears in a surreal sequence set to “I Lied to You.” The choice, she noted, was meant to echo Copeland’s Firebird imagery.
Copeland confirmed that the costume was chosen deliberately. “Ryan Coogler was really interested in having me wear a costume that represented one of the iconic roles that I’ve danced in my career,” she said before the ceremony.
While Swan Lake was discussed, she said Firebird ultimately felt more aligned with the film’s themes.
For the Oscars performance, she wore a costume created by artist Geoffrey Holder for a 1982 Dance Theatre of Harlem production of the ballet. The design includes a sankofa symbol, an Akan concept associated with returning to the past to carry wisdom forward.
The choreography performed during the broadcast was not a traditional ballet excerpt. Instead, Copeland said she created movements specifically for the moment, drawing inspiration from Firebird imagery while incorporating other elements.
“I’ve kind of just created it on my own,” she explained, noting that the piece included “a little bit of birdlike choreography… a little bit of Swan in there.”
Her appearance comes only months after she stepped away from the stage following her retirement from American Ballet Theatre in 2025. The performance also took place roughly three months after she underwent hip replacement surgery.
Copeland acknowledged that she is still early in the recovery process and is currently focused on physical therapy.