Lin-Manuel Miranda Expresses Disappointment Over Oscar Performance Snub

Let’s just say Lin-Manuel Miranda isn’t exactly thrilled with how things are shaping up for this year’s Oscars. If you’re a fan of Disney’s "Mary Poppins Returns," you’re probably hoping to hear Lin belt out "The Place Where Lost Things Go" during the Academy Awards. But guess what? That might not be happening—and Lin is not holding back his feelings about it.

Here’s the scoop: According to reports from Variety, only two of the five Best Original Song nominees will get the chance to perform live during the telecast on February 24. Those lucky ones? Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s "All the Stars" from Black Panther and Lady Gaga’s powerhouse hit "Shallow" from A Star Is Born. That leaves Lin’s heartfelt ballad from Mary Poppins Returns on the sidelines. Ouch.

Lin-Manuel Miranda Takes to Twitter to Vent

Lin, who created the Broadway sensation Hamilton and played Jack in Mary Poppins Returns, took to Twitter on January 25 to share his frustration. In a series of tweets, he reminisced about why he stayed up late as a kid to watch the Oscars for the very first time. "It was because I LOVED The Little Mermaid," he wrote, "and they were going to sing songs from the movie I loved on The Oscars." He went on to express his disappointment about this year’s decision: "If true, and Poppins’ song won’t be performed, truly disappointing. Hostless AND music-less? To quote Kendrick: Damn."

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Why the Change in Oscar Traditions?

For years, it’s been a tradition to let all the nominated songs have their moment in the spotlight during the ceremony. But this year, things are a little different. Producers are tightening the reins to keep the show under the three-hour mark—something that hasn’t always been easy in the past. Some of those previous ceremonies ran dangerously close to four hours, so trimming the program makes sense. Still, cutting out performances feels like a big loss for fans who tune in specifically for those musical moments.

And if that wasn’t enough change for one year, here’s another twist: For the first time in 30 years, the Oscars won’t have a host. Instead, producers are planning to bring in a lineup of A-list celebrities to introduce various segments throughout the night. While this could add some fresh energy to the show, it’s also sparked concerns about whether the event will feel cohesive without a central figure anchoring it all together.

The Pressure is On for Producers

Insiders say the producers and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences are working overtime to ensure the telecast goes smoothly. They’re scrambling to line up top-tier talent to keep things exciting, especially with just six weeks to go before the live broadcast on February 24 at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre. There’s no doubt the stakes are high, and nerves are running high behind the scenes. As one source put it, "Hand-wringing at the Academy has been palpable."

Whether or not "The Place Where Lost Things Go" gets its moment in the sun, one thing is certain: The 2019 Oscars are shaping up to be a night full of surprises. Will the changes pay off? Or will they leave audiences—and artists like Lin-Manuel Miranda—feeling shortchanged? Guess we’ll have to tune in and find out!