The First Oscar-Nominated Transgender Performer Is Boycotting Due to an Epic Academy Fail
Anohni's performance was cut for "time constraints."

Visual artist Anohni is the first transgender performer to be nominated for an Oscar, but she won't be attending the ceremony. The "Manta Ray" singer is in the same category as big name vocalists like Sam Smith, Lady Gaga, and the Weeknd, who are performing during the broadcast. And while you'd think the Academy would jump at the chance to celebrate such an important moment in trans history (especially since The Oscars is a diversity fail in every other way), Anohni's performance was ruled out due to "time constraints."
"I was in Asia when I found out the news," the singer writes in an essay for Pitchfork. "I rushed home to prepare something, in case the music nominees would be asked to perform. Everyone was calling with excited congratulations. A week later, Sam Smith, Lady Gaga, and the Weeknd were rolled out as the evening's entertainment with more performers 'soon to be announced.' Confused, I sat and waited. Would someone be in touch? But as time bore on I heard nothing...The producers seemed to have decided to stage performances only by the singers who were deemed commercially viable."
Anohni points out that Dave Grohl, who isn't nominated in any category, was asked to perform, which was the final straw. "Last night I tried to force myself to get on the plane to fly to L.A. for all the nominee events, but the feelings of embarrassment and anger knocked me back, and I couldn't get on the plane," she says. "I imagined how it would feel for me to sit amongst all those Hollywood stars, some of the brave ones approaching me with sad faces and condolences. There I was, feeling a sting of shame that reminded me of America's earliest affirmations of my inadequacy as a transperson."
Anohni knows she wasn't excluded from the Oscars because she's a transgender woman, but says the decision plays into a greater narrative of oppression:
"If you trace the trail of breadcrumbs, the deeper truth of it is impossible to ignore. Like global warming, it is not one isolated event, but a series of events that occur over years to create a system that has sought to undermine me, at first as a feminine child, and later as an androgynous transwoman. It is a system of social oppression and diminished opportunities for transpeople that has been employed by capitalism in the U.S. to crush our dreams and our collective spirit."
The Academy has not commented on Anohni's statement, but can we all agree that this is a "look at your life, look at your choices" moment?
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Mehera Bonner is a celebrity and entertainment news writer who enjoys Bravo and Antiques Roadshow with equal enthusiasm. She was previously entertainment editor at Marie Claire and has covered pop culture for over a decade.
-
Harry Was Allegedly Crushed When William Received "Special Treatment"
"Poor Harry's face across the table," Princess Diana's former butler recalled.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry Wasn't Informed About King Charles's Hospitalization
"It looks like the duke only found out about his father's latest health update through the media."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Jennifer Lawrence Styles a $7,500 Outfit With $100 Sneakers
The actress paired Prada and Celine with her $100 footwear.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
In 'Opus,' Cult Leaders and Pop Stars Are One in the Same
The A24 film's costume and production designers open up about crafting fictional pop icon Moretti’s style and mysterious estate.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
The Melancholic Sound of Success
The artist known as Japanese Breakfast opens up about finding her sound on a new album after experiencing whirlwind success.
By Sadie Bell Published
-
'Anora' Star Mikey Madison Takes Home the Best Actress Award at the 2025 Oscars in a Surprise Win
"I will continue to support and be an ally."
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Zoe Saldaña Becomes the First American of Dominican Origin to Win an Oscar
"I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award and I know I will not be the last."
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
LISA, Doja Cat, and Raye Perform a Glamorous 'James Bond' Tribute at the 2025 Oscars
The Academy Awards are for the pop girls, actually.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Open the 2025 Oscars With a Showstopping 'Wicked' Performance
The awards show began with a medley of songs inspired by the Best Picture-nominated film and adaptations of 'The Wizard of Oz.'
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Aly & AJ Share What Music Shaped Them—And What's on Their Playlist Now
With their new album 'Silver Deliverer' coming soon, the sister act opens up about their musical preferences for the 'Marie Claire' series "Listen Up."
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Everything to Know About the 2025 Oscars, From How to Watch to the Nominations
It's bound to be an unpredictable awards show.
By Quinci LeGardye Last updated