The chances ofMufasa: The Lion Kingleaving the Oscars with a win under its belt have been negatively impacted, thanks to its nomination choices in one category. Serving as both a prequel and a sequel toThe Lion King,the Disney live-action movie explores the life of Simba’s father, Mufasa, before he climbed the ranks to become king of Pride Rock. Directed by Barry Jenkins, the movie exploresMufasa and Simba’s family treeand depicts how Mufasa was forced to deal with loss and betrayal on his journey to becoming king.
Similar to the 2019The Lion Kinglive-action movie,Mufasahas divided critics but has been deemed an improvement on its predecessor. It’s also financially successful, grossing more than $200 million andbreaking box-office milestones.The movie is currently on the shortlist for the 2025 Academy Awards in two categories: Best Visual Effects and Best Original Song. There are hopes thatMufasamay achieve the same Oscar success as its predecessors, but the results of the shortlists have deeply hurt the movie’s chances of walking away with an Academy Award in 2025.
“Tell Me It’s You” Is Mufasa’s Only Best Original Song Oscar Possibility
It’s The Only Song From The Movie Shortlisted For Best Original Song
Mufasa: The Lion King’s chances of winning an Oscar for Best Original Song don’t look good. The film features newsongs composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, best known for movies likeMoanaand musicals includingHamilton. One song composed for the movie was “Tell Me It’s You”, performed by Aaron Pierre (Mufasa) and Tiffany Boone (Sarabi).The song explores the developing relationship between Mufasa and Sarabiafter she discovers that he is the one who saved her life. “Tell Me It’s You” serves asMufasa’slove song,similar to “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” inThe Lion King.
The soundtrack forMufasahas been compared toThe Lion Kingand has received praise from critics for remaining faithful to the original’s tone while, at the same time, adding a new sound to the franchise. There were expectations that the movie’s soundtrack would reach a similar level of success at the Oscars toThe Lion King. However, while the soundtrack toThe Lion Kingreceived three song nominations in 1995, “Tell Me It’s You” is the only song fromMufasashortlisted for the Best Original Song award.
“I Always Wanted A Brother” Was Viewed As The Stronger Oscar Contender For Mufasa
The Song Failed To Make The Shortlist For Best Original Song
Mufasa: The Lion King’s primary emotional arc explores the bond between Mufasa andTaka, before he became known as Scar.Their connection is explored during the song “I Always Wanted A Brother”, also written by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The song focuses on Taka’s desire to become king and how he wishes to have Mufasa to stand by him during his reign. The song’s lyrics add layers toMufasa and Taka’s relationshipand how they depend on each other. It even contains a montage of the two growing up together in the Pride Lands, which strengthens their relationship.
Harper and Will Go West
Will & Harper
“I Always Wanted A Brother” was considered a highlight inMufasa’ssoundtrackand was widely predicted to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song.The catchy beat, powerful lyrics, and homage to the original movie made it a stronger Oscar contenderthan “Tell Me It’s You.” However, despite being favored, “I Always Wanted A Brother” failed to make the shortlist of nominees for Best Original Song released by theOscars. The failure of the song to make the shortlist proved disappointing after it previously missed out on a nomination at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards, according toGold Derby.
What Mufasa’s Shortlist Selection Means For The 2025 Oscars Best Original Song
It Has Reduced The Likelihood Of Mufasa Winning The Award At The Oscars
The chances ofMufasa: The Lion Kingwinning Best Original Songhave been hurt due to the fierce competition in the category. “Tell Me It’s You” has been shortlisted alongside “El Mal” and “Mio Camino” fromEmilia Pérez, which has been predicted to win several Oscars in 2025. Two songs fromEmilia Pérezappearing on the Oscars shortlist increase the movie’s chances of securing a nomination compared overMufasa. Another successful song from a Disney-produced film, “Never Too Late” fromElton John: Never Too Late, has also become a front-runner to be nominated, as reported byVariety.
An Oscar win for “Tell Me It’s You” would see [Lin-Manuel Miranda] receiving EGOT status…
However,Mufasa’schances at securing a Best Original Song nomination shouldn’t be ruled out altogether.The shortlisting of “Tell Me It’s You” could see composer, Lin-Manuel Miranda, receiving his third Oscar nomination in seven years. Miranda has been previously nominated for “How Far I’ll Go” (Moana) and “Dos Oruguitas” (Encanto).An Oscar win for “Tell Me It’s You” would see Miranda receiving EGOT status, as reported byHollywood Reporter. The final nominations will be announced in January, which means there’s still time to see ifMufasa: The Lion Kingwill be nominated for Best Original Song at the Oscars.
Mufasa: The Lion King
Cast
Mufasa: The Lion King explores the origins of the beloved character Mufasa, focusing on his youth as a lost cub who encounters Taka, a royal heir. Their meeting initiates an epic journey of self-discovery and destiny, featuring a group of misfit companions navigating the challenges of their world.
Oscars
The Oscars, also known as The Academy Awards, is an annual awards show celebrating workers in the film industry for their artistic and technical abilities. The Oscars are often considered the most prestigious awards show in the industry and date back to 1929. The 96th Academy Awards will be held on July 28, 2025, and be hosted by Jimmy Kimmel on ABC.
