Earlier today, the 95th Academy Awards went down at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, U.S.A. Held by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the Academy honoured ‘everything, everywhere’ in films released in 2022. While the world celebrates and honours the exceptional performances of modern cinema in the 21st century, here’s looking back at the most significant wins for Hip-Hop at the Oscars over the years.
Eminem Brings Home the 75th Academy for ‘Lose Yourself’
Detroit’s legendary emcee and Hip-Hop’s modern cult Eminem, born Marshall Bruce Mathers III, won the 75th Academy Award for ‘Best Original Song’. Released as part of the 2002 Original Motion Picture Soundtrack to ‘8 Mile’, the track ‘Lose Yourself’ was produced by our very own ‘Real Slimshady’ and his longtime collaborator Jeff Bass, Eminem’s win paved the way for Hip-Hop’s far-reaching influence at the Oscars and turned him into the most influential rap artist of our generation.
Jamie Foxx Wins the Oscar for ‘Best Actor’ at the 77th Academy Awards
Jamie Foxx, best known for his groovy hook on Kanye West’s rap record ‘Gold Digger’ from the ‘Late Registration’ LP, won the ‘Best Actor’ award at the 77th Academy Award. The Texas-born actor and R&B singer was honoured for his affecting performance in the 2004 biographical musical drama ‘Ray’. Further, Foxx created history by becoming the first African American to be nominated for an acting Oscar in two categories in the same year. However, he took the trophy of Best Actor for his portrayal of Ray Charles in the Taylor Hackford-directed film.
‘Three Six Mafia’ Wins At the 78th Academy Awards
Back in March 2006, Memphis Hip-Hop pioneers the ‘Three Six Mafia’ won the Oscar for ‘Best Original Song’ at the 75th Academy Awards. Formed in 1991 in Memphis, Tennesse, the influential Hip-Hop trio – led by Juicy J, Gangsta Boo, Lord Infamous, DJ Paul, Koopsta, Crunchy Black and Knicca – contributed to the 2005 Motion Picture ‘Hustle & Flow’. The Hip-Hop collective was honoured with the prestigious award for their influential rap record ‘It’s Hard Out Here For a Pimp’.
Common & John Legend’s ‘Best Original Song’ at the 87th Academy Awards
Chicago’s legendary emcee and activist Common, born Lonnie Rashid Lynn, won the Oscar for ‘Best Original Song’ at the 87th Academy Awards alongside John Legend. The iconic artists took home the award for their song ‘Glory’ from Selma. Notably, Common became the first rapper To Win GRAMMY, Emmy And Oscar. Based on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery citing rights marches, the Ava DuVernay-directed film is revered for its unapologetic emphasis on African-American activism and social justice.
