The showdown between Sinners and KPop Demon Hunters has officially begun in one Oscar category. Both are hit films that are expected to compete in several crucial categories at the 2026 Oscars, which will air on March 15.
According to Variety, Sinners has officially submitted “I Lied to You” and “Last Time (I Seen the Sun)” for consideration in the “Best Oringal Song” category at the Oscars, setting the stage for a showdown with “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters, which was officially submitted for awards consideration in July.
Although it’s still early in the Oscar race, all three submissions should land on the Academy’s shortlist of 15 contenders for Best Original Song, which is expected to be announced in mid-December. From that list, the Academy’s music branch will select the five nominees, which will be announced on January 22, 2026.
According to Academy rules, a film can submit up to three original songs for consideration. While all three may appear on the shortlist, only two can ultimately receive nominations. Sinners chose not to submit the maximum number, a strategic decision that carries both potential benefits and drawbacks. For instance, Barbie entered three songs: “What Was I Made For?,” “I’m Just Ken,” and “Dance the Night.” All three made the shortlist, though “Dance the Night” didn’t get nominated.
“I Lied to You” is written by Raphael Saadiq and Ludwig Göransson and performed by Miles Caton, while “Last Time (I Seen the Sun)” is performed by Alice Smith and Caton and co-written by Smith, Caton, and Göransson. “Golden” is performed by EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI, and was written by EJAE and Mark Sonnenblick.
Caton is also a strong contender in the Best Supporting Actor category and, with the addition of a songwriting credit for “Last Time (I Seen the Sun),” he could join a very small group who have received Oscar nominations for both acting and original song: Leslie Odom Jr. for One Night in Miami (2020) and “Speak Now,” Mary J. Blige for Mudbound (2017) and “Mighty River,” Lady Gaga for A Star Is Born (2018) and “Shallow,” and Cynthia Erivo for Harriet (2019) and “Stand Up.”
Sinners plans to campaign in all major Oscar categories, including Best Picture, Best Director and Original Screenplay for Ryan Coogler, Best Actor for Michael B. Jordan, and many more. The addition of its song submissions further fuels the film’s growing awards momentum, which has been building steadily since its April premiere. If Sinners delivers on its awards campaign, it could potentially make Oscars history.
However, in terms of the showdown between Sinners and KPop Demon Hunters for Best Original Song, Netflix’s musical may have the advantage, considering just how popular “Golden” has been, topping numerous charts since the film’s release on June 20.