Eminem was the first hip hop artist to win an Oscar for Best Original Song, taking the award for “Lose Yourself” from the 2002 film *8 Mile* at the 75th Academy Awards in 2003.
“Lose Yourself” was written by Eminem, Jeff Bass, and Luis Resto. The song serves as the central musical statement of *8 Mile*, a drama loosely inspired by Eminem’s early life and his rise through Detroit’s battle-rap scene. Its lyrics focus on pressure, opportunity, and the fear of failing when a decisive moment arrives.
Eminem’s win was significant because rap had rarely been recognized by the Academy in its major music category. He was absent from the ceremony, reportedly choosing to remain at home, so songwriter Luis Resto accepted the award alongside producer Jeff Bass.
A frequent mix-up involves Three 6 Mafia, who became the first hip hop group to win the same award in 2006 for “It’s Hard out Here for a Pimp.” Common later won for “Glory,” making Eminem the correct first individual hip hop artist in this context.