The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences decided that if Lady Gaga, The Weeknd and Sam Smith are up for Oscars, they might as well ask them to perform. All three are part of the first slate of presenters and performers for the 88th Academy Awards.
Oscar winners Benicio Del Toro, Charlize Theron and Whoopi Goldberg, along with past Oscar nominee Ryan Gosling are among the first group of presenters. Kevin Hart, Room star Jacob Tremblay and “Happy” singer will also present.
Smith was nominated for “Writing’s On The Wall,” the theme song for Spectre. Lady Gaga is up for “Til It Happens To You” from the documentary The Hunting Ground. And The Weeknd’s song from Fifty Shades of Grey, “Earned It,” was nominated.
“Each of these artists brings a wonderfully distinctive element to the Oscars stage,” producers David Hill and Reginald Hudlin said today. “Together they represent the many thrilling ways stories can be shared about the human experience, and we’re honored they will be part of the celebration.”
The 88th Oscars are set for Sunday, Feb. 28 on ABC. Chris Rock is hosting.