King Richard earned Beyoncé her first Academy Award nomination, for Best Original Song in 2022.
The 2021 film King Richard tells the story of Richard Williams and his daughters Venus and Serena Williams, who became world-famous tennis champions. Will Smith plays Richard Williams, while the film focuses on the family’s early training and ambitions.
Beyoncé co-wrote and performed “Be Alive,” the film’s original song. The song was nominated for Best Original Song at the 94th Academy Awards, held in 2022. It was Beyoncé’s first Oscar nomination, although “No Time to Die” by Billie Eilish and Finneas ultimately won the category.
“Be Alive” was released as part of the film’s soundtrack and celebrates Black family, community, and achievement. The film should not be confused with Dreamgirls, in which Beyoncé acted and sang, or The Lion King, for which she voiced Nala and contributed music but did not receive this nomination.