Mufasa's chances of winning best original song at the Oscars are already hurt thanks to a ruling

The chances of Mufasa: The Lion King leaving the Oscars with a win was negatively impacted, thanks to nomination choices in one category. Serving as a prequel and sequel to The Lion King, Disney's live-action film explores the life of Simba's father, Mufasa, before he rose through the ranks to become king of Pride Rock. Directed by Barry Jenkins, the film explores Mufasa and Simba's family tree and shows how Mufasa was forced to deal with loss and betrayal on his journey to become king.

Similar to 2019 The Lion King live action film, Mufasa It divided critics, but was considered an improvement over its predecessor. It is also a financial success, grossing over $200 million and breaking box office milestones. The film is currently on the 2025 Oscar shortlist in two categories: Best Visual Effects and Best Original Song. There are hopes that Mufasa may achieve the same Oscar success as its predecessors, but the shortlist results have deeply damaged the film's chances of winning an Oscar in 2025.

'Tell Me It's You' is Mufasa's only Oscar possibility for best original song

It is the only song from the film selected for best original song

Mufasa: The Lion KingThe chances of winning the Oscar for Best Original Song don't look good. The film features new music composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda, best known for films such as Moana and musicals, including Hamilton. A song composed for the film was "Tell Me It's You", performed by Aaron Pierre (Mufasa) and Tiffany Boone (Sarabi). The song explores the development of the relationship between Mufasa and Sarabi after she discovers that he was the one who saved her life. "Tell Me It's You" serves as Mufasa's love song, similar to "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" in The Lion King.

The soundtrack of Mufasa was compared with The Lion King and received critical praise for staying true to the tone of the original while also adding a new sound to the franchise. There were expectations that the film's soundtrack would achieve a similar level of success at the Oscars. The Lion King. However, although the soundtrack The Lion King received three song nominations in 1995, "Tell Me It's You" is the only song from Mufasa selected for the Best Original Song award.

'I Always Wanted a Brother' Was Seen as Mufasa's Strongest Oscar Candidate

The song failed to make the list for best original song

Mufasa: The Lion King The primary emotional arc explores the bond between Mufasa and Taka, 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 wants Mufasa to support him during his reign. The song's lyrics add layers to Mufasa and Taka's relationship and how they depend on each other. It also contains a montage of the two growing up together in the Pride Lands, which strengthens their relationship.

"I Always Wanted A Brother" was considered featured on the Mufasa's soundtrack and was widely predicted to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song. The catchy beat, powerful lyrics, and homage to the original film made it a stronger Oscar contender. than "Tell me it's you." However, despite being favored, "I Always Wanted A Brother" failed to enter the list of nominees for Best Original Song released by Oscar. The song's failure to make the list was disappointing, after previously missing out on a 2025 Golden Globe nomination, according to Golden Derby.

What Mufasa's selection means for the 2025 Oscars best original song

Reduced the probability of Mufasa winning the Oscar

The chances of Mufasa: The Lion King winning Best Original Song were harmed due to the fierce competition in the category. "Tell Me It's You" was selected alongside "El Mal" and "Mio Camino" from Emilia Pérezwhich is predicted to win multiple Oscars in 2025. Two songs from Emilia Pérez appearing on the Oscar shortlist increases the film's chances of securing a nomination compared to Mufasa. Another hit song from a Disney-produced film, "Never Too Late" by Elton John: It's never too latehas also become a favorite to be nominated, as reported by Variety.

However, Mufasaof the chances of securing a nomination for Best Original Song should not be completely ruled out. "Tell Me It's You" List Could Lead to Composer Lin-Manuel Miranda Earning His Third Oscar Nomination in Seven Years. Miranda was already nominated for "How Far I'll Go" (Image: Disclosure)Moana) and "Dos Oruguitas" (Enchanted). An Oscar win for "Tell Me It's You" would earn Miranda EGOT status, as reported by Hollywood reporter. Final nominations will be announced in January, meaning there's still time to see if Mufasa: The Lion King will be nominated for Best Original Song at the Oscars.

Sources: Oscar, Golden Derby, Variety, Hollywood reporter