Hailee Steinfeld’s ‘Sinners’ Oscar Song Overlooked Amid Studio’s Top Focus
Ryan Coogler’s film “Sinners” is generating significant buzz as a strong contender for this year’s Academy Awards. However, Warner Bros. has limited its Oscar song submissions to just two tracks, sparking controversy among fans.
Oscar Submissions for “Sinners”
The studio submitted “I Lied to You,” by Raphael Saadiq and Ludwig Göransson, and “Last Time (I Seen the Sun),” co-written by Miles Caton and Göransson. This decision aimed to prevent vote-splitting among contenders, even though the film’s soundtrack features multiple original songs.
- “I Lied to You” is integral to a dynamic time-shifting sequence in the movie.
- “Last Time (I Seen the Sun)” plays during the credits, enhancing Caton’s recognition for Best Supporting Actor.
Hailee Steinfeld’s Overlooked Contribution
Fans have expressed disappointment over the exclusion of Hailee Steinfeld’s song from the Oscar lineup. The Academy’s stringent guidelines determine eligibility for original songs. According to these guidelines, songs must be “clearly audible, intelligible, substantive” within the film or during the end credits.
Steinfeld’s song failed to meet this requirement, removing it from Oscar consideration. However, it still may be eligible for awards in other categories, such as the Grammys’ visual media fields.
Strategic Decisions Amidst Competition
Warner Bros. appears focused on maximizing its chances during a competitive awards season, particularly against strong films like “One Battle After Another.” While “Sinners” has received praise for its production design and performances, the limited song submissions indicate a strategic approach to securing victories in key categories.
As the awards season progresses, “Sinners” remains a formidable candidate for Academy recognition. However, with one fan-favorite track on the outside looking in, the landscape of the competition continues to evolve.
