Misty Copeland arrived at the 2026 Oscars in a tutu-inspired custom David Koma gown and nearly $2 million worth of Jared natural diamonds, including a 27-carat emerald-cut piece called the Jared Mpho Diamond. The retired ballerina is scheduled to perform the Oscar-nominated song “I Lied to You” from Sinners during the ceremony.
Misty Copeland’s Oscars Red Carpet Look
The dancer’s red carpet ensemble combined classical ballet cues with modern tailoring: a custom David Koma look featuring a suited bodice adorned with tutu-style ruffles and an ivory skirt that hugged her frame. Jewelry from Jared completed the outfit, with pieces identified as Jared natural diamonds, the 27-carat emerald-cut Jared Mpho Diamond, Jared Atelier Diamond Drop Earrings, and additional rings and earrings. Coverage of the appearance described the total diamond value as nearly $2 million.
Performance Lineup for the Sinners Song
Copeland is set to take the stage for a performance of “I Lied to You, ” the Oscar-nominated track from Sinners. She will appear alongside Miles Caton and Raphael Saadiq, and the staged presentation will also feature actors Jayme Lawson and Li Jun Li and a group of musicians including Eric Gales, Bobby Rush, Buddy Guy, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Brittany Howard, Shaboozey, and Alice Smith. The performance is listed as part of the telecast.
Reaction And Context
The ballerina’s glittering, ballet-coded look arrives shortly after remarks by an actor about ballet and opera that drew attention. Copeland addressed those comments during a public appearance last week and pushed back on the idea that ballet lacks cultural relevance. “First I have to say that it’s very interesting that he invited me to be a part of promoting Marty Supreme with respect to my art form, ” she said. “But I think that it’s important that we acknowledge that, yes, this is an art form that’s not ‘popular’ and a part of pop culture as movies are. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have enduring relevance in culture. ”
She expanded on the point, adding, “I mean, he wouldn’t be an actor and have the opportunities he has as a movie star if it weren’t for opera and ballet and their relevance in that medium. So all of these mediums have a space and we shouldn’t be comparing them. ”
The red carpet arrival and the scheduled performance make Copeland one of the evening’s most visible crossovers between classical dance and mainstream awards programming. She is due to perform on the Oscars telecast as part of the Sinners presentation.
