Rihanna is slated to take the stage at the upcoming Oscars, delivering a live rendition of Lift Me Up. The Hollywood Academy confirmed the nomination for the best original song from the film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever as part of this year’s ceremony lineup.
The track is a collaboration between Rihanna, who also handles the vocal performance, and Swedish composer Ludwig Göransson, who crafted the music and soundscapes that accompany the song. The lyrics are credited to a team that includes Ryan Coogler, Tems, and additional contributors, reflecting a fusion of vocal artistry and cinematic storytelling.
The Oscar race for best original song includes a competitive field featuring Take My Hand from the Top Gun: Maverick soundtrack, Naatu Naatu from RRR, This Is Life from Everything Everywhere All at Once, and Applause from Tell It Like a Woman. Each entry represents a distinct musical voice within a year of memorable film scores and performances.
In the days ahead, the Academy is expected to announce further musical performances and presentations that will accompany this year’s ceremony, underscoring the event’s status as the entertainment industry’s most anticipated awards show.
Rihanna, a longtime force in music with nine Grammy Awards and multiple multi-platinum albums, recently marked a high-profile return to the live stage with a standout appearance at the Super Bowl halftime show. The performance drew widespread attention and reminded audiences of the artist’s enduring appeal and stage presence.
The Super Bowl moment drew an audience of about 103.8 million viewers in the United States, a testament to Rihanna’s broad cultural impact. The show also set headlines in part because it signaled a personal milestone for the artist, who announced new family news during the appearance, further amplifying anticipation for her Oscar moment.
With the ceremony aiming to deliver a dazzling spectacle, the Academy seeks to create an atmosphere that is as glamorous as possible while addressing the evolving expectations of global audiences. The upcoming event is poised to celebrate music, cinema, and the performers who shape both industries, even as it navigates the challenges and conversations that accompany such a high-profile awards night.