AFP via Getty Images
Lenny Kravitz helped honor dozens of film industry professionals who died in the past year with a performance of “Calling All Angels” at the Academy Awards on Sunday, March 12.
The performance was introduced by John Travolta, who snuck in with a touching reference to his tendon Cool co-star Olivia Newton-John as he paid tribute to all those who have died over the past year: “They have touched our hearts, they have made us smile and become dear friends to whom we will always hopefully remain devoted. “
Kravitz then took the stage to perform his 2004 song, “Calling All Angels.” John was among those celebrated in the tribute, which also included Kirstie Alley, Ray Liotta, Angelo Badalamenti, Jean-Luc Goddard, Irene Cara, Julie Reichert, Burt Bacharach, Angela Lansbury, Mary Alice, James Caan and Raquel Welch.
Along with the televised tribute, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said it would commemorate more than 200 filmmakers, artists and executives in an expanded photo gallery in its digital magazine, A. frame.
Along with Kravitz, the 2023 Academy Awards featured performances from all five Best Original Song nominees (as is tradition). These include Rihanna performing “Lift Me Up” from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever; actress Sofia Carson and Diane Warren make “Applause” from Tell it like a woman; Indian vocalists Rahul Sipligunj and Kaala Bhairava perform “Naatu Naatu” from the Telugu language smash RRR; and David Byrne, Stephanie Hsu and Son Lux collaborate on “This Is a Life” from Everything everywhere at once (Hsu — who was nominated for Best Supporting Actress — was headed to Mitski, who sang on the original track). Lady Gaga was also added to the lineup at the last minute, performing with her Top Gun: Maverick ballad, “Hold My Hand.”