In an ideal world for fans, the tribute to the English spy scheduled for the night of March 2 at the Oscars would end with the announcement of the new James Bond. Unfortunately, that is unlikely.

What can be taken from the initiative? Its relevance is enormous after Jeff Bezos‘ announcement that he has “creative control” of the franchise, and he makes a fuss in front of the Academy. It is his moment: “he is mine.” It is the end of an era surrounded by praise and nostalgia (Daniel Craig will certainly be the presenter), but for those who followed Barbara Broccoli‘s struggle to maintain 007 within the artistic integrity that her father established when he released the first film in 1962, it is also a sad turning of the page (as Timothy Dalton stated). There will be standing ovations, tears, and curiosity, but it is a “take over” that means that the world of Bond will be very different from now on.

You know what doesn’t change? His musical impact. One of 007’s signature themes is his theme music, so it’s no surprise that the tribute to 007’s 60-year legacy will be a musical tribute. A perfect soundtrack for the elegant farewell of longtime producers Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, who will receive an honorary Oscar that same night. That nostalgic moment is the face of the party and one that not only Hollywood loves but we do too.

There isn’t much information about what promises to be one of the highlights of the night. There are 26 films, so there’s the option of a medley of the greatest hits, which means pop legends will be on stage. The fact that the producers are keeping it a secret, but letting slip that there will be “a big surprise” makes me crazy for Sunday to come.

Alongside the great Wicked show, which will have Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande singing Defying Gravity live, the James Bond medley will not be able to exclude Goldfinger, Skyfall, and Diamonds Are Forever, among other classics.

According to Variety, which spilled the beans about the (supposedly) surprise show, it’s unclear whether the tribute will only feature the Oscar-winning and nominated songs or whether it will be broader and celebrate all 26 Bond themes. I don’t believe it will be complete, but it will certainly feature No Time To Die since it was the last one to win an award.

My bet? We can count on Adele, Billie Eilish, Paul McCartney, and Sam Smith on stage, with a good chance of Madonna also joining in. Even though I dream of the full team (A-ha, Duran Duran, Sheena Easton, Garbage, Jack White, Tom Jones), my dream was to have Carly Simon sing Nobody Does It Better, but for some reason, I don’t see her taking part in the party. The big surprise would be, and this is my bet, that they bring Shirley Bassey on stage. Now 87 years old and still performing, the Welsh singer is the “voice” of Bond and thrilled Hollywood in 2013 when she performed at the Oscars. If she sings Goldfinger again? The theater will fall apart.

Regardless of who takes the stage to celebrate this historic moment, one thing is certain: James Bond and his soundtrack have marked generations and will continue to resonate long after this tribute. The combination of nostalgia and anticipation for the future of the franchise will make this celebration one of the great moments of Oscar night. And if there’s one thing 007 has taught us over six decades, it’s that he always finds a way to reinvent himself — with new faces, new challenges, and, of course, new unforgettable songs.

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