Nearly 24 hours later, Tems herself responded to the commentary of her cloud-like gown with a tweet that simply said: "Oops."
Nigerian singer Tems made her Oscar debut as a nominee for her work on writing Lift Me Up from the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack at the Academy Awards on March 12, 2023. The artist was nominated for Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song) alongside Rihanna, Ryan Coogler, and Ludwig Göransson. The song is a tribute to the late Chadwick Boseman—the star in the first Black Panther film. The singer's gown is what the Internet ended up discussing, however, as the avant-garde design, especially its contoured hood which billowed out to one side, seemingly blocked the views of a few audience members. The 27-year-old artist whose real name is Temilade Openiyi faced some criticism for her outfit, reports People. She was dressed in a white Lever Couture gown with delicate tulle fabric weaved into a head-to-toe asymmetrical silhouette. She finished the look with silver gemstone heels and bling on her wrists and fingers.
"After speaking with Ryan and hearing his direction for the film and the song, I wanted to write something that portrays a warm embrace from all the people that I've lost in my life. I tried to imagine what it would feel like if I could sing to them now and express how much I miss them," Tems said in a press release per People. "Rihanna has been an inspiration to me so hearing her convey this song is a great honor." The single, performed by Rihanna, was nominated for Best Original Song.
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