Austin-based musician Adrian Quesada, known for his work with the Black Pumas, finished as a runner-up in the Best Original Song category at the Oscars on Sunday. Quesada was nominated alongside Abraham Alexander for their song “Like a Bird” from the film “Sing Sing.” The winning song was “El Mal” from “Emilia Pérez,” with other nominees including “Mi Camino” from “Emilia Pérez,” “The Journey” from “Six Triple Eight,” and “Never Too Late” from “Elton John: Never Too Late.”
“Sing Sing” is a drama based on the rehabilitation program at Sing Sing Maximum Security Prison in New York, where inmates create stage productions. Quesada is renowned for his psychedelic soul band Black Pumas, which was nominated for Best New Artist at the 2020 Grammy Awards. Throughout his career, he has received eight Grammy nominations, including a win for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album in 2011 with Grupo Fantasma.
In addition to his Oscar nomination, Quesada has been involved in other film projects. He recently produced the original motion picture soundtrack for “Home Free,” which was released in late January. The soundtrack features a diverse lineup of artists, including Mix Master Mike and Money Mark from the Beastie Boys, Ben Kweller, Skerik, Akil the MC from Jurassic 5, and more. Inspired by a ’90s mixtape, the 28-track album is available digitally and as a limited double LP vinyl.
Notably, the Oscars ceremony did not include live performances of the nominated songs for the first time in 80 years. However, Quesada and Alexander performed “Like a Bird” on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in the lead-up to the ceremony.
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