Oscars to Feature James Bond Songs Tribute

The Oscars are ready to toast the celebration with a martini — shaken, not stirred.

Variety has learned exclusively that the ceremony will perform a special tribute of the iconic songs of the James Bond franchise at Sunday’s Academy Awards in honor of longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, who received Honorary Oscars at the past Governors Awards. The Academy declined to comment.

While details remain scarce, it is unclear whether the tribute will focus solely on Oscar-winning and nominated songs or take a broader approach to celebrating all 26 Bond themes. However, according to sources, the tribute will include what is being described as an assembly of surprising and immense talents.

If the Academy opts for a comprehensive retrospective, it could offer long-overdue recognition to classics such as Shirley Bassey’s “Diamonds Are Forever,” which, despite being considered one of the franchise’s finest musical moments, was overlooked by the Oscars at the time of its release. Not all performers in the tribute will necessarily have ties to the series.

Since the release of “Dr. No” in 1962, the James Bond film series has become one of the longest-running and highest-grossing franchises in cinema history, spanning 25 films over six decades. Throughout its history, Bond theme songs have played a defining role in shaping the films’ identity, merging cinematic grandeur with pop music’s biggest names.

However, Oscar voters were slow to embrace Bond songs in the franchise’s early years. Bassey’s “Goldfinger,” the now-iconic theme from the 1964 film of the same name, failed to receive a nomination despite its lasting impact. In recent years, however, the Academy has made amends, recognizing Bond songs with increased frequency. Six Bond themes have received Oscar nominations: