Nigerian singer Tems up for Oscar
First presented in 1929, the awards are organised by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, which boasts more than 10 000 professionals across the film industry.
This year’s edition will reward works released in 2022, and winners will be selected by a voting body numbering more than 9 500.
The ‘Crazy Tings’ hitmaker was shortlisted in the Best Original Song category for her contribution on ‘Lift Me Up’, a soundtrack for Marvel superhero movie Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Tems co-wrote ‘Lift Me Up’ with global star Rihanna, music producer Ludwig Göransson and Black Panther director Ryan Coogler.
“After speaking with Ryan and hearing his direction for the film and the song, I wanted to write something that portrays a warm embrace from all the people that I’ve lost in my life,” Tems said of the vision behind the record.
“I tried to imagine what it would feel like if I could sing to them now and express how much I miss them. Rihanna has been an inspiration to me, so hearing her convey this song is a great honour.”
The nomination arrives a few months after Tems scored a 2023 Golden Globes Awards nod. The musician is also up for Best Rap Song and Best Melodic Rap Performance at the 65th Grammys next month.
Meanwhile, talk show host Jimmy Kimmel will return as compere at the Oscars for the third time, after anchoring the awards show in 2017 and 2018. Last year, the Oscars were hosted by actresses Amy Schumer, Wanda Sykes and Regina Hall.
