Iconic 007 theme songs come alive with dazzling performances from global superstars as the Oscars honor the legacy of the James Bond franchise.
The 2025 Oscars delivered a spectacular tribute to the iconic James Bond franchise, featuring a star-studded medley of the most memorable Bond theme songs performed by some of the biggest names in music. Doja Cat, Raye, and Lisa of Blackpink all took center stage, bringing their unique style and energy to a night already filled with unforgettable performances.
Following the Best Makeup and Hairstyling award, a stunning tribute to 007 kicked off, beginning with a montage of moments from Bond’s storied cinematic history. Margaret Qualley, known for her roles in The Leftovers and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, set the tone with a dynamic dance number alongside a troupe of male dancers, all dressed in tuxedos, nodding to the classic sophistication and allure of the Bond series.
The tribute truly soared when Lisa, the K-pop sensation and member of Blackpink, made a grand entrance, descending from the rafters on wires to perform a high-energy rendition of “Live and Let Die”. Originally recorded by rock band Wings for the 1973 Bond film of the same name, this performance set the tone with its powerful rock influence and Lisa’s dynamic stage presence.
A dance break followed before Doja Cat stepped into the spotlight, bringing her distinct flair to “Diamonds Are Forever”, the title track from the 1971 Sean Connery-led Bond film. John Barry’s timeless orchestration, paired with Doja Cat’s unique spin on the song, added a fresh energy to this classic Bond anthem.
Raye, the British singer-songwriter known for her emotional ballads and strong vocal range, closed out the medley with “Skyfall”, the haunting and powerful theme song from the 2012 Bond film starring Daniel Craig. Originally recorded by Adele, Raye’s take on the track was a beautiful tribute to one of the franchise’s most iconic and beloved themes.
The performance was introduced by none other than Halle Berry, who starred in the 2002 Bond film Die Another Day. Berry spoke lovingly about the Bond franchise and the duo of Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, who have served as its stewards for decades. She praised their contributions to the series, noting that they had been the heart and soul behind 007’s legacy on screen.
“I had the great pleasure of working with Barbara and Michael on Die Another Day. And let me tell you, they don’t just produce Bond movies; they were the heart and soul of the franchise for decades,” Berry said. “Every generation does have their Bond, you know? The world revolves — it evolves, and so does he. But that signature mix of danger, style, and intrigue…well, that’s timeless.”
The tribute came at a historic time for James Bond. February 2025 marked a significant turning point for the series, as it was announced that creative control of the franchise would shift to Amazon MGM. The Broccoli family, who have overseen the franchise since its inception with Dr. No in 1962, will step back from their roles, with Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson focusing on other projects.
In the wake of this transition, Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, quickly took to social media to engage fans in the conversation about the next Bond. The announcement left fans eagerly speculating about who could be the next actor to embody the legendary secret agent, following Daniel Craig’s tenure in the role.
Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, expressed excitement for what’s to come: “We are honored to continue this treasured heritage, and look forward to ushering in the next phase of the legendary 007 for audiences around the world.”
The James Bond tribute at the 2025 Oscars was not only a celebration of the franchise’s rich history but also a reminder of how the series continues to evolve and capture the imagination of audiences worldwide. With performances by global superstars, a nod to Bond’s timeless legacy, and a look ahead to the next chapter of 007, the night proved that the legend of James Bond is far from over.
As Hollywood embraces change, the musical tribute was a stunning reflection of the Bond franchise’s cultural impact and a perfect moment of celebration at the Oscars.