The Oscars just dashed Lin-Manuel Miranda’s chances for earning an EGOT for his work onMufasa: The Lion King. The prequel/sequel toTheLion Kinghas proven to be an enduring force at the box office, but it hasn’t received the kind of awards buzz that even 2019’sThe Lion Kingwas able to generate for visual effects.Mufasa: The Lion King’s best chance at the Academy Awards was in the Best Original Song category, with the originalsongs by Lin-Manuel Mirandaserving as a highlight of the film.
Beyond being one of Walt Disney Studios' only films to be shortlisted for an Oscar this year, it would have also been the perfect opportunity for Lin-Manuel Miranda to accomplish one of the hardest feats in the world of entertainment. However, the97th Academy Awards nominationshave dashed those hopes. This means Miranda will have to try again in a different year to achieve that honor.
Lin-Manuel Miranda Didn’t Get An Oscar Nomination For Mufasa: The Lion King
Mufasa: The Lion KingWas Shortlisted For A Best Original Song Oscar, But Didn’t Get The Nomination
Lin-Manuel Miranda might eventually become an EGOT winner, but his hopes of earning that distinction with one of his songs fromMufasa: The Lion Kinghave been dashed by the Academy Awards.Mufasa: The Lion Kingwas the latest Disney project to recruit theHamiltoncreator following successful collaborations throughMoanaandEnacnto. Miranda wrote the songs for theThe Lion Kingspin-off, building off the legacy of the original film (which won an Oscar for Best Original Song, “Can You Feel The Love Tonight”).Miranda was even shortlisted as a potential nominee for “Tell Me It’s You.”
“Like a Bird”
“The Journey”
The Six Triple Eight
Sung between Mufasa and Sarabi, “Tell Me It’s You” is the new film’s equivalent to “Can You Feel The Love Tonight.” However, it faced stiff competition in the category, including from EGOT winner Elton John, who actually won an Oscar for his own work on the original version ofThe Lion King.Miranda was one of the many musicians who ended up losing out on a nomination, which was split between legendary musicians like John as well as two songs fromEmilia Pérez. It’s a particularly notable loss for Miranda because an Oscar win would earn one of the most prestigious honors in entertainment.
Lin-Manuel Miranda Just Needs An Oscar To Become An EGOT Holder
Miranda Has Already Earned Multiple Tony, Emmy, And Grammy Awards
While Lin-Manuel Miranda has plenty of film experience, his time on Broadway and behind-the-scenes as a lyricist has earned him a host of accolades. In fact, Miranda is one of the relatively few people working today with three-quarters of an EGOT. EGOT holders are the handful of creatives who have earned an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony.Miranda has earned several awards for his work on musicals likeHamilton. In fact, that historical musical earned him a Tony and a Grammy, while a prerecorded version released on Disney+ earned him a Primetime Emmy.
[Lin-Manuel Miranda] has so far received two Academy Award nominations, both for Best Original Song. However, “How Far I’ll Go” fromMoanaand “Dos Oruguitas” fromEncantofailed to win the award in 2017 and 2022 respectively.
Miranda still hasn’t won an Oscar yet, though. That’s not for lack of trying, either.Miranda has so far received two Academy Award nominations, both for Best Original Song. However, “How Far I’ll Go” fromMoanaand “Dos Oruguitas” fromEncantofailed to win the award in 2017 and 2022 respectively. “Tell Me It’s You” gave him another chance at a nomination, but stiff competition from artists like Elton John, coupled with the Academy’s embrace ofEmilia Pérezto the tune of two Best Original Song nominations, means Miranda will have to wait at least another year to complete his EGOT.
What Could Lin-Manuel Miranda Win An Oscar For?
Lin-Manuel Miranda Doesn’t Have Any Big Movies Coming Up
Given his relative youth and high output of work, its likely that Miranda will have more opportunities to earn himself an Oscar (and subsequently an EGOT). However, it might not be soon. Miradna’s only in-development film currently listed on IMDB is a starring role inThe Making Ofalongside Richard Gere, Diane Keaton, and Blake Lively. However,that film was announced in 2020 and has seemingly spent several years in development hell. Lin-Manuel Miranada’s next confirmed project would be a perfect vehicle to win him an Oscar, but it’s not currently planned as a film.
After The Success Of Wicked & Moana 2, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Next Musical Should Be His Take On A 70’s Cult Classic
The massive box office success of Wicked and Moana 2 highlights why the time is right for Lim-Manuel Miranda’s tribute to a cult classic needs a film.
Building off the momentum of a successful concept album release in 2024, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis' musical version ofWarriorsis currently being adapted into a full-stage play.A prospective film adaptation of the Walter Hill film could feature new songs from Miranda that could become Oscar contenders. Miranda could also sign onto other upcoming Disney projects and continue his streak of earning nominations for writing songs for their animated films. Lin-Manuel Miranda’s talents make him a likely EGOT winner at some point, but that distinction won’t come about because of his work onMufasa: The Lion King.
