Washington, February 28: The 97th Academy Awards ceremony will pay tribute to the legendary James Bond franchise, celebrating the unforgettable music that has become synonymous with the iconic 007 films. This special tribute will honor the extraordinary contributions of longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, who were recently awarded Honorary Oscars at the 15th Governors Awards.
The tribute will showcase the unforgettable theme songs that have defined the cinematic universe of Bond, merging the grandeur of the films with some of the biggest names in music. While details are still scarce, it is unclear whether the tribute will focus solely on Oscar-winning and nominated songs or take a broader approach, including all 26 Bond theme songs.
Sources suggest that the tribute will feature a stellar lineup of talent, offering a surprising and powerful musical showcase. Performers may include those with direct ties to the Bond franchise, as well as major pop stars who have contributed to the legendary Bond soundtracks over the years.
Since the release of Dr. No in 1962, the James Bond franchise has become one of the most successful and enduring in cinema, spanning 25 films and over six decades. The music, especially the theme songs, has played a central role in shaping the identity of the franchise, blending cinematic grandeur with contemporary musical influences.
While Bond’s early songs were not always recognized by the Academy, the Oscars have started to acknowledge the cultural importance of these tracks. Six Bond songs have received Oscar nominations, with three of them winning the prestigious award:
- “Live and Let Die” (1973) by Paul and Linda McCartney
- “Nobody Does It Better” (1977) by Carly Simon
- “For Your Eyes Only” (1981) by Bill Conti and Mick Leeson
- “Skyfall” (2012) by Adele and Paul Epworth (winner)
- “Writing’s on the Wall” (2015) by Sam Smith and Jimmy Napes (winner)
- “No Time to Die” (2021) by Billie Eilish and Finneas (winner)
The tribute to Bond’s music comes at a pivotal time for the franchise. Recently, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson received the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award at the Governors Awards, recognizing their dedication to cinematic excellence. During the ceremony, they also hinted at the future of the Bond series, with Wilson referring to the next 007 as “he,” before Broccoli swiftly added, “Or she,” indicating the potential for a gender-neutral direction for the iconic role.
This year also marks a significant shift for the Bond franchise, as Broccoli, Wilson, and Amazon MGM Studios announced a new joint venture to house the James Bond intellectual property under Amazon’s creative control while ensuring the longtime producers remain co-owners.
The 97th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 3, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California. In India, viewers can catch the prestigious ceremony live on Star Movies and JioHotstar starting at 5:30 am IST, with a replay available afterward on JioHotstar.