The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled its roster of nominees for the 95th Oscars. Rihanna scores a nod for Best Original Song for “Lift Me Up” from the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack. It’s Rihanna’s first Oscar nomination.
Additional nominees include: “Applause” from Tell It Like a Woman (music and lyric by Diane Warren); “Hold My Hand” from Top Gun: Maverick (music and lyric by Lady Gag and BloodPop, “Naatu Naatu” from RRR (music by M.M. Keeravaani and lyric by Chandrabose); and “This Is a Life” from Everything Everywhere All at Once (music by Ryan Lott, David Byrne and Mitski / lyric by Ryan Lott and David Byrne).
Rihanna co-wrote the emotional number with Tems, Ludwig Göransson and Black Panther director Ryan Coogler. Göransson also produced the track.
“Lift Me Up” was written as a tribute to the life and legacy of Chadwick Boseman, who originally played T’Challa/Black Panther before passing away in 2020.
Tems explained how the song came about. “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. I tried to imagine what it would feel like if I could sing to them now and express how much I miss them.”
She added, “Rihanna has been an inspiration to me so hearing her convey this song is a great honor.”
“Lift Me Up” scored a nomination for Best Original Song at the 80th Golden Globe Awards. The award ultimately went to “Naatu Naatu” by M. M. Keeravani.
Upon its release on Oct. 28, 2022, “Lift Me Up” debuted at No. 1 on the following Billboard charts: Hot R&B Songs, R&B Streaming Songs, R&B Digital Song Sales, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and R&B/Hip-Hop Streaming Songs.
In December, “Lift Me Up” peaked at No. 1 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart.
Rihanna will headline the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show at Super Bowl LVII on Sunday, Feb. 12. She will be the first artist to headline the halftime show under Apple Music’s recently-announced partnership with the NFL and Roc Nation.
“Rihanna is a generational talent, a woman of humble beginnings who has surpassed expectations at every turn,” said JAY-Z, founder of Roc Nation. “A person born on the small island of Barbados who became one of the most prominent artists ever. Self-made in business and entertainment.”
NFL Head of Music Seth Dudowsky, added, “We are thrilled to welcome Rihanna to the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show stage. Rihanna is a once in a generation artist who has been a cultural force throughout her career. We look forward to collaborating with Rihanna, Roc Nation and Apple Music to bring fans another historic Halftime Show performance.”
Stream “Lift Me Up” by Rihanna below.
