The gold-catalyzed annulation of alkynylsulfones, involving pyridine N-oxides (as O-atom transfer reagents) and nitriles (as C=N synthons), comprises a diazo-free route to valuable 4-sulfonyl-1,3-oxazoles. This reaction operates under relatively mild conditions (IPrAuNTf ₂ 5 mol %, rt or 60 °C), and a number of functionalities was compatible (35 examples; 14–95%). In most cases, the SO ₂ fragment, which is typically expulsed in the previously reported Au-catalyzed O-transfers to alkynylsulfones, retains in the heterocyclic products. The postulated reaction mechanism suggests a key role of reactive gold α-oxo carbene intermediates formed via the O-atom transfer. (Figure presented.).