The song “Lift Me Up” from “Black Panther: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences made the announcement on Thursday, “Wakanda Forever.” The pop star who won a Grammy will be performing at the Oscars for the first time.
Another first for the pop star, “Lift Me Up” was nominated for Best Original Song. The single, which peaked at No. 1, is credited to Wakanda Forever” director Ryan Coogler, composer Ludwig Göransson, and Nigerian singer Tems. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in November of last year.
It was also Rihanna’s first album in nearly six years, and she won’t be performing at the Oscars for the first time since the 2018 Grammy Awards.
“‘Lift Me Up’ is a song that holds great meaning to us as it was written as a tribute to the extraordinary life and legacy of our friend, the late Chadwick Boseman, and his influence on this film,” Göransson said in a statement. Boseman, known for his role as King T’Challa in Marvel’s “Black Panther,” died in 2020 after a four-year battle with cancer.
Coogler said in a statement following the nomination, “It was an honor to work with these incredible musicians in crafting a song for our film and for our friend.” “It was meant to be a tribute to love and the specter of loss, and I couldn’t be happier that it is being recognized.”
The film received five nominations, including Best Visual Effects, Best Makeup and Hairstyling, Best Costume Design, and Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Angela Bassett.
The news comes just a few weeks after she gave a performance at the Super Bowl LVII halftime show that broke the internet.
Rihanna gave a 13-minute solo performance for the first time in nearly seven years, donning a bright red outfit. She also caused a stir on Twitter when she showed off what appeared to be a baby bump while performing her song “B**** Better Have My Money.”
CBS News later received confirmation from the singer’s representative that Rihanna is expecting baby No. 2. In May, Rihanna and her partner, rapper A$AP Rocky, welcomed their first child together. The song is competing with “Hold My Hand” from “Top Gun: Special Ops.” Maverick,” “Applause” from “Tell It Like a Woman,” “Naatu Naatu” from “RRR,” and “This Is A Life” from “Everything Everywhere All at Once” are all examples of songs from the album.
The Academy Awards ceremony is scheduled for March 12th.