Ryan Coogler’s film “Sinners” has emerged as a formidable contender in this year’s awards race, showcasing a captivating blend of horror and prestige. The film, which has garnered attention for its exceptional production design and a standout performance by Miles Caton, is being hailed as one of the potential titans of the Oscars. However, in a surprising strategic move, Warner Bros. has opted to submit only two original songs for Oscar consideration in the Best Original Song category—”I Lied to You” by Raphael Saadiq and Ludwig Göransson, and “Last Time (I Seen the Sun)” co-written by Caton and Göransson.
Despite a rich soundtrack featuring several original and fan-favorite songs, the studio’s decision to narrow the submissions is rooted in an aim to consolidate votes and avoid diluting support. The Oscars guidelines stipulate that no more than three songs from a single film may be submitted, and industry insiders suggest that Warner Bros. is intentionally choosing to streamline their entries in an increasingly competitive awards landscape.
The chosen tracks are integral to the film’s narrative, with one energizing a captivating time-shifting sequence and the other guiding the audience into the credits, thus supporting Caton’s campaign for recognition in both Best Supporting Actor and the music category. However, many fans are left wondering why Hailee Steinfeld’s contribution didn’t make the cut, given its unique sound and emotional resonance. The answer lies within the Academy’s stringent criteria, which require that any song submitted must be “clearly audible” and associated with substantial moments in the film. Unfortunately, Steinfeld’s track does not fully align with these requirements as it is not prominently featured within the film’s body.
While fans express disappointment and advocate for the inclusion of Steinfeld’s song—claiming it offers a distinctive touch—the strategic submission choice reflects Warner Bros.’ commitment to leaving no stone unturned in pursuit of Oscars success. As the awards season heats up, “Sinners” remains strategically positioned to capitalize on its strengths, even if it means leaving a beloved fan track outside the Oscar spotlight for now. This careful maneuvering may ultimately play a pivotal role in its potential to garner accolades in a fiercely competitive environment.