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The 2025 Academy Awards paid tribute to one of Hollywood’s longest standing franchises, the James Bond series, with a homage that included music, dance, and nostalgia. This celebration was very timely to the franchise which has recently revolved from very old producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G Wilson of Amazon Studios.
The tribute began in a striking fashion with actress Margaret Qualley advancing from the dark in a bold scarlet gown. Gracefully yet fiercely, she executed a dance sequence to the 007 theme that exemplifies the legacy of Bond.
After Qualley’s performance, the audience was treated to a powerful slew of musical entertainers. Lisa from BLACKPINK expertly sang the Live and Let Die, made famous in Paul McCartney and Wings’ performance in the Bond film in 1973. Doja Cat later sang her own fearless rendition of Bassey’s classic Diamonds Are Forever, the theme song from the 1971 Sean Connery film. Raye then took the stage and captivated the audience with her rendition of Skyfall, the award winning song from 2012’s film starring Daniel Craig.
The tribute was presented by Halle Berry, who will forever be remembered as the fierce Jinx in 2002’s Die Another Day. The Oscar winning actress shared her own experience with the cultural phenomenon of Bond and its transformation through the ages.
The James Bond franchise is one of the most profitable and recognisable Hollywood franchises with Dr No released in 1962 being its very first film. Over 26 films across six decades, the series has grossed over 7 billion dollars in revenue.
Music has importantly featured in the marketing of Bond films. Six Bond songs have been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song with three winning: Adele’s Skyfall, Smith’s Writing’s on the Wall, and Eilish’s No Time to Die.
The homage also coincides with a transformational moment in the franchise's life cycle. In a staggering change to industry dynamics, Amazon Studios purchased with $1.25 billion the rights to the creative supervision of the James Bond series. This acquisition has led to questions concerning the fate of 007, particularly following No Time to Die (2021), which was Daniel Craig's last film in the role. A new actor and a filmmaker willing to take the franchise into a new chapter are being sought after.
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