Oscar viewers who expressed confusion about the surprise performance by Eminem were evidently not paying attention.
At the end of a video montage of iconic songs from the movies, the rapper appeared on stage to perform “Lose Yourself” from 8 Mile.
Eminem’s performance earned a standing ovation from the star-studded audience inside the Dolby Theatre and sparked a social media frenzy.
Viewers who had either dozed off or were on a bathroom break during the music-in-movies segment wondered why the 47-year-old was suddenly there doing a track that came out 18 years ago.
“Look, if you had another shot, another opportunity…,” Eminem tweeted following his performance. “Thanks for having me @TheAcademy. Sorry it took me 18 years to get here.”
Look, if you had another shot, another opportunity... Thanks for having me @TheAcademy. Sorry it took me 18 years to get here. pic.twitter.com/CmSw2hmcZo
— Marshall Mathers (@Eminem) February 10, 2020
Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” won Best Original Song at the 75th Academy Awards in 2003 – making it the first rap song to be honoured at the Oscars – but he wasn’t there to accept the award. (Eminem subsequently explained he did not believe he had a shot of winning.) It was the first time in 14 years that the winner of Best Original Song did not perform during the show.
This year's winner of Best Original Song was "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again" by Elton John and Bernie Taupin from Rocketman.
"I got to see my Uncle Elton tonight at the Oscars," tweeted Eminem. "Congrats on your win too, Sir!"
I got to see my Uncle Elton tonight at the Oscars. Congrats on your win too, Sir! @eltonofficial pic.twitter.com/9HsQHvGzM4
— Marshall Mathers (@Eminem) February 10, 2020