Mary J. Blige Gives Emotional "Mighty River" Performance at Oscars

It was a big night for Mary J. Blige during the 90th annual Academy Awards. She made history by becoming the first person, ever, to be nominated for both Best Supporting Actress and Best Original Song in the same year and for the same film, Mudbound. But the R&B legend was not only nominated for her two Oscars, she performed her nominated song during the awards show as well.

Dressed in a gorgeous magenta off-the-shoulder gown, Mary sang the song she was nominated for this year from Mudbound, the emotional "Mighty River."

Hand over her heart for much of the performance, Mary soulfully and powerfully sang "Mighty River," later on joined by a gospel choir as scenes from Mudbound displayed on the screen behind them.

Earlier this year, Mary told Variety of being a part of Mudbound, as well as her Oscar nominations, "It's wonderful to be recognized in this way as an actress — and to be nominated for [the song] 'Mighty River' was a blessing. The message of how love can conquer hate is what inspired the lyrics. Singing is my therapy, but now acting is a part of that therapy as well, so I hope to continue to do both."

Mary was nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Florence Jackson in Mudbound. She was up against Allison Janney (I, Tonya), Lesley Manville (Phantom Thread), Laurie Metcalf (Lady Bird), and Octavia Spencer(The Shape of Water). And for Best Song, "Mighty River" was up against "Mystery of Love" from Call Me by Your Name, "Remember Me" from Coco, "Stand Up for Something" from Marshall, and "This Is Me" from The Greatest Showman.

Mudbound was directed by Dee Rees and received a total of four nominations; Best Original Song, Best Supporting Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Cinematography. 

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