Lights, Camera, Music!
The music category of 2023 Oscars was as fierce as ever. This year’s nominees ranged from Lady Gaga’s powerful ballad ‘Hold My Hand’ to the uplifting and inspiring ‘This Is a Life’. But there was one song that stood out from the rest, and it’s not hard to see why.
The winner for Best Music (Original Song) was ‘Naatu Naatu’ from the Indian film RRR. This infectious and energetic dance number, performed by Kaala Bhairava and Rahul Sipligunj and written by M.M. Keeravaani and Chandrabose, had audiences on their feet and dancing along.
‘Naatu Naatu’ from ‘RRR’ wins the Oscar for Best Original Song! #Oscars #Oscars95 pic.twitter.com/tLDCh6zwmn
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) March 13, 2023
RRR is a three-hour epic that combines anti-colonialism with ultranationalism, and ‘Naatu Naatu’ is the film’s greatest moment. Ram Charan and N.T. Rama Rao Jr., dance added so much value to the song, making everyone replicate the dance steps. Every second of this thing is electric, and it’s hard not to get caught up in the infectious energy.
We have won!!
We have won as Indian Cinema!!
We won as a country!!
The Oscar Award is coming home!@ssrajamouli @mmkeeravaani @tarak9999 @boselyricist @DOPSenthilKumar @Rahulsipligunj @kaalabhairava7 #PremRakshith @ssk1122 pic.twitter.com/x8ZYtpOTDN— Ram Charan (@AlwaysRamCharan) March 13, 2023
We’re blessed that #RRRMovie is the first feature film to bring INDIA’s first ever #Oscar in the Best Song Category with #NaatuNaatu! 💪🏻
No words can describe this surreal moment. 🙏🏻
Dedicating this to all our amazing fans across the world. THANK YOU!! ❤️❤️❤️
JAI HIND!🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/9g5izBCUks
— RRR Movie (@RRRMovie) March 13, 2023
Coming in at a close second was ‘This Is a Life’ from the film Everything Everywhere All at Once. The song is composed by Ryan Lott, David Byrne, and Mitski, and performed by the latter two artists along with Lott himself. The song is a beautiful, introspective piece that perfectly captures the film’s themes of wonder and possibility. It’s a true feat of songwriting, and one that deservedly earned a nomination.
Another nominee was everyone’s favourite, Lady Gaga’s ‘Hold My Hand’ from Top Gun: Maverick. The song was co-written by Lady Gaga and BloodPop®, and features the singer’s signature powerhouse vocals.
Rihana’s ‘Lift Me Up’ featured in Marvel Studios’ Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, was also nominated in this category.