Beyoncé has earned her very first Oscar nomination. She’s nominated in the Best Original Song category for “Be Alive” from King Richard, which she co-wrote with Dixson.

“Listen” for Dreamgirls was nominated for the Oscar in 2007, but due to an Academy rule making it so only three writers could be nominated for a song, she was excluded from being a nominee. “Spirit” from The Lion King was also shortlisted in 2020.

Serena Williams approached her to do the song for the film, which is about their father jumpstarting their tennis careers.

“When the film came out, there was no other person that could do this song except for Beyoncé. I feel like we’ve had a similar path in our lives. We’ve trained since an early age to reach a goal,” she said on Jimmy Kimmel Live. “For us it was really only one answer, and she embraced that. There was no doubt in her mind that it belonged to her as well. The original song is amazing, and I love it.” 

King Richard stars Will Smith as Richard Williams, the father of iconic athletes Venus and Serena Williams. The film also stars Saniyya Sidney and Demi Singleton as Venus and Serena Williams, Aunjanue Ellis as Oracene “Brandi” Williams, Jon Bernthal as coach Rick Macci and Tony Goldwyn as coach Paul Cohen. Dylan McDermott also stars. Smith and Ellis were also nominated for Academy Awards for their work in the film.

Here’s the official description: Based on the true story that will inspire the world, King Richard follows the journey of Richard Williams, an undeterred father instrumental in raising two of the most extraordinarily gifted athletes of all time, who will end up changing the sport of tennis forever. Driven by a clear vision of their future and using unconventional methods, Richard has a plan that will take Venus and Serena Williams from the streets of Compton, California to the global stage as legendary icons. “King Richard” is a profoundly moving film that shows the power of family, perseverance and unwavering belief as a means to achieve the impossible and impact the world. 

The film is directed Reinaldo Marcus Green and written by Zach Baylin. The producers are Tim White and Trevor White under their Star Thrower Entertainment banner, and Will Smith under his Westbrook banner. Isha Price, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, James Lassiter, Jada Pinkett Smith, Adam Merims, Lynn Harris, Allan Mandelbaum, Jon Mone and Peter Dodd serve as executive producers.