Normally, the only musical performances at the Academy Awards are for the Best Original Song nominees. Sure, there’s the In Memoriam and maybe an opening number (this year, the latter came thanks to Janelle Monaé), but that’s all you can usually expect. But at the 2020 Oscars, there came a major surprise when Eminem took the stage to perform his classic “Lose Yourself”.
The unexpected appearance occurred after Lin-Manuel Miranda introduced a video package celebrating past Best Original Song winners. At the end of the clip, some familiar piano notes were played as lights came on the stage. Up from the center rose a full orchestra with Marshall Mathers himself standing at the front. He then ripped into the theme song from his 2002 autobiographical movie 8 Mile.
“Lose Yourself” took home Best Original Song at the 2003 Academy Awards, so Em’s appearance made sense, in its way. Still, the unpredictable appearance seemed to catch everyone watching off guard, leaving them momentarily stunned before they began head-banging along. In return, Eminem delivered a strong performance of one of his best tracks, earning the standing ovation he received from the room of Hollywood elite.
Watch the surprise appearance below, and follow along to all our Oscars coverage.
Eminem performing “lose yourself” at #TheOscars #Oscars pic.twitter.com/LybEZU7vVK
— C (@basicallymemes) February 10, 2020
Eminem performing 'lose yourself' at the #Oscars the Celebs in the audience trying to rap along got me laughing
pic.twitter.com/CQ70a28XmU
— Ali (@DrakesWriter1) February 10, 2020
We are all Idina Menzel. pic.twitter.com/kV0BxEZvHj
— Robert Mays (@robertmays) February 10, 2020
When the Eminem song isn’t cinema pic.twitter.com/oNPWPyqQM7
— ᴍᴀᴛᴛ ᴊᴀᴍᴇs (@_Matt_James_) February 10, 2020
Oscars 2020: Eminem makes surprise appearance to perform “Lose Yourself”: Watch
Ben Kaye
