‘Beyond the Lights’ Theme Song “Grateful” Snags Oscar Nomination for Best Original Song

Despite not being nominated in any of the film categories such as Best Picture, Best Director, or Best Screenplay, Gina Prince-Bythewood’s 2014 offering, Beyond the Lights, did manage to grab one Academy Award nomination.  The Diane Warren-penned “Grateful,” performed on the film’s soundtrack by Rita Ora, earned a nomination for Best Original Song, marking Warren’s 7th Oscar nomination.  Starring the magnificent Gugu Mbatha-Raw as a disenchanted pop ingenue and Nate Parker as a cop with political aspirations, Beyond the Lights follows Noni and Kaz as their unlikely friendship transforms into a passionate love affair.  Beyond the Lights premiered 14 years after Prince-Bythewood’s groundbreaking big screen debut, Love and Basketball, which starred Sanaa Lathan and Omar Epps.