The 2025 Academy Awards took a moment to celebrate the iconic legacy of James Bond, honoring the storied franchise with a musical tribute that brought together some of the biggest names in music and entertainment. This tribute, introduced by actress Halle Berry, was a celebration of 63 years of Bond films, which began with Dr. No in 1962, starring Sean Connery as the legendary 007 agent. The tribute recognized the immense contribution of long-time producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, who have overseen the series for decades.
During the ceremony, Berry, who starred as Bond girl Jinx in 2002’s Die Another Day, stood before a captivated audience to introduce the tribute, describing Wilson and Broccoli as the “heart and soul” of the James Bond films. She praised their ability to combine “danger, style, and intrigue” in their work. The tribute then unfolded in a dazzling display of music and performance, kicking off with an unexpected appearance by actress Margaret Qualley, who added an extra layer of mystery to the evening, sparking fresh casting rumors for future Bond films.
The tribute then transitioned to an electrifying performance by Lisa, a member of the internationally renowned K-pop group BLACKPINK, who took center stage to sing “Live and Let Die”, the energetic theme song originally by Wings. The musical moments kept coming, with Doja Cat following up with a sultry rendition of “Diamonds Are Forever”. The crowd was swept away as British singer Raye took the lead on the haunting “Skyfall”, Adele’s Oscar-winning theme from 2013’s Skyfall.
This tribute to Bond’s musical legacy was particularly fitting given the franchise’s history with the Academy Awards. With a total of 19 nominations, the Bond films have earned six Oscars, many of which have been for Best Original Song. Notably, “Skyfall” won the prestigious award for Adele in 2013, “Writing’s on the Wall” won in 2016 for Sam Smith and Jimmy Napes, and Billie Eilish’s “No Time to Die” clinched the honor in 2022.
While it was a coincidence that several Bond alumni, including Halle Berry, Michelle Yeoh (who starred in Tomorrow Never Dies), and Ana de Armas (who appeared in No Time to Die), were all present at the Oscars that night, the musical tribute seemed like the perfect way to celebrate Bond’s continued impact on both film and music.
The tribute also highlighted the Bond franchise’s continued evolution, not just in storytelling but also in its technical accomplishments. Over the years, the series has received multiple awards in technical categories, including Best Sound Effects for Goldfinger (1965), Best Special Visual Effects for Thunderball (1966), and Best Sound Editing for Skyfall (2012). The Oscars 2025 tribute was a fitting way to acknowledge both the films’ cultural significance and their ongoing influence on the world of cinema.
As the lights dimmed at the Dolby Theatre, the legacy of James Bond was unmistakably alive, with a performance that captured the timeless essence of 007, blending the past with the present in a star-studded moment at the 2025 Oscars.