Drake, Rihanna and The Weeknd are just a few of the stars that have been included on the 2023 Oscars Shortlist.
Rihanna was added for her song “Lift Me Up” off the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, but The Weeknd’s late addition was a surprise, with the Toronto singer included for his song “Nothing Is Lost (You Give Me Strength)” from the Avatar: The Way Of Water soundtrack. The film was released on December 16.
This marks Abel Tesfaye’s second Oscar nod, with his first being in 2015 for the song “Earned It” which features on the Fifty Shades Of Grey soundtrack.
Drizzy had an equally-as-surprising appearance on the list thanks to his co-writing work on the song “Time” from the David O. Russell film Amsterdam.
A notable snub on the list was Kendrick Lamar, who aimed to be shortlisted for best live-action short film for his “We Cry Together” music video, but was unable to get a placement. In a recent interview, K. Dot said he was really hopeful the short film would register with voters.
“So in writing, I say: ‘Okay, how can I make this feel personal, but also holding up a mirror as a collective concept, rather than just a personal concept,’” he explained. “I wanted to bring that drama because, at the end of the day, whether we like it or not — the good, the bad and the ugly, the pros and cons — that’s what makes everything evolve.”
The short film is directed by Dave Free, Kendrick and Jack Schreir and co-stars actress Taylour Paige alongside the former TDE rapper.
“It challenged me to actually live in what I was writing, and really be there and be present with Taylour [Paige],” Kendrick added. “And I remember us going back and forth and feeling like, damn, I understand this character even more because I’m evoking the energy from it and the passion from it because it’s alive, and it’s direct.”
Lamar was previously nominated for an Oscar four years ago for co-writing “All the Stars” from Marvel’s Black Panther. Lamar has won twice for best direction at the MTV Video Music Awards for co-directing his videos “Alright” and “Humble.”
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