U2 and Paul Simon will likely perform their Oscar-nominated songs at the March 23 ceremony, Oscars producer Gil Cates said.
“We don’t have any complete confirmations today as to who will perform but it is likely that U2 will perform because their schedule allows for it. It is likely that Paul Simon will perform,” Cates told reporters. “The other thing, Eminem we’re not sure about in terms of the schedule. We haven’t heard.”
The three acts are nominated for best original song: U2’s “The Hands That Built America” from “Gangs of New York,” Paul Simon’s “Father and Daughter” from “The Wild Thornberrys Movie,” and Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” from “8 Mile.”
If Eminem does accept the invitation, Cates said he’s not concerned that the usually foul-mouthed rapper will use profanity during the broadcast.
“Eminem has an airplay version of that song. Listen, the Academy Awards show is a show for the family. I mean, everyone watches the show and we’re very much aware of that. Obviously we would not knowingly have anything on the show which would be offensive,” he said.
Other songs nominated in the category are “Burn It Blue” from “Frida” and “I Move On” from “Chicago.”
Cates said he couldn’t answer whether “Chicago” cast members Renee Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones, who will be eight and a half months pregnant in March, would perform the song at the Oscars.
“The reason we really can’t say is, if I say that we’re going to ask someone and then they don’t appear, a lot of things happen. Firstly, you know that we were turned down. Secondly, the next person that we ask knows that they’re a second choice. So the only intelligent answer to that question is, ‘What a good idea that is,'” Cates said.
