February 28, 2025: The upcoming Academy Awards ceremony will celebrate the legendary music of the James Bond franchise with a special tribute to its iconic theme songs. According to Variety, this tribute will recognize the contributions of long-time producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, who were awarded Honorary Oscars at the 15th Governors Awards.
The tribute aims to honor the unforgettable music that has become synonymous with the 007 series, highlighting the unforgettable theme songs that have defined the cinematic world of Bond. While specific details about the tribute remain under wraps, sources suggest an impressive lineup of talent will perform these powerful songs, creating a musical showcase that might include both Oscar-winning and nominated songs as well as all 26 theme songs from the franchise.
The Bond films, spanning 25 movies since the first release of Dr. No in 1962, have become a cultural phenomenon, with their music playing a central role in shaping their identity. The iconic songs have blended cinematic grandeur with the contemporary sound of the world’s most influential artists. However, the early songs were not frequently acknowledged by the Academy. For instance, the legendary Goldfinger from the 1964 film, performed by Shirley Bassey, didn’t receive a nomination despite being one of the most iconic tracks in Bond history.
In recent years, the Academy has started recognizing Bond’s musical contributions more frequently. Over the years, six Bond songs have been nominated for Oscars, with three of them taking home the prestigious award: “Live and Let Die” by Paul and Linda McCartney, “Nobody Does It Better” by Carly Simon, and “For Your Eyes Only” by Bill Conti and Mick Leeson. More recently, “Skyfall” (2012), “Writing’s on the Wall” (2015), and “No Time to Die” (2021), performed by Adele, Sam Smith, and Billie Eilish respectively, all won Oscars for Best Original Song.
The tribute arrives at a significant time for the Bond franchise, as producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson were recently honored with the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award at the Governors Awards, recognizing their long-standing commitment to the Bond legacy. During the ceremony, Broccoli and Wilson hinted at the future direction of the 007 series, with Wilson referring to the next Bond as “he,” though Broccoli quickly interjected, “Or she.”
This year also marks a new chapter for the Bond franchise, with Broccoli, Wilson, and Amazon MGM Studios announcing a partnership to house the James Bond intellectual property within the studio. The partnership will grant Amazon creative control while allowing Broccoli and Wilson to remain co-owners, ensuring the future of Bond’s legacy.
The 97th Academy Awards will be held on Sunday, March 3, at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California. Fans in India can catch the live broadcast on Star Movies and JioHotstar starting at 5:30 am IST, with replays available after the live show on JioHotstar.