Laura Pausini and Diane Warren performed their Oscar-nominated song “Io Si (Seen)” during the Academy Awards’ pre-show Into the Night ahead of the big ceremony itself on Sunday (April 25).
The pair — backed by musicians playing guitar, violins, cello and drums — delivered their soaring and emotional song from the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures’ Dolby Family Terrace, as the sun set on Los Angeles behind them. With Warren behind the keys of a bright red grand piano, Pausini kicked off the song from The Life Ahead in Italian before switching to English, and back again.
“‘Cause I see you/ And I see too who you are/ You can’t hide from me/ I want you to know that you’re seen,” sang Pausini.
Ahead of their performance, Warren explained the origin of the lyrics. “I read the script and the word ‘seen’ came to mind because these are characters that aren’t seen — they’re invisible to the world and almost invisible to each other,” she said of the Italian film about a Holocaust survivor and former prostitute who looks after the children of sex workers. “And also we’re living in a time now where everybody feels not seen and invisible.”
Added Pausini: “This song is like a hug. We want to hug people through the song.”
“Io Si (Seen)” is The Life Ahead’s only Oscar nomination. It is up against H.E.R.’s “Fight For You” from Judas and the Black Messiah, “Hear My Voice” from The Trial of the Chicago 7, “Husavik” from the Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, and Leslie Odom Jr.’s “Speak Now” from One Night in Miami.
This is Warren’s 12th Oscar nomination, but she has yet to win. Pausini, who co-wrote “Io Si” with Warren, is up for her first Academy Award. The song has already won best original song at the Golden Globes. If it wins the Oscar for best original song, it will be the first song performed entirely in Italian to win an Academy Award.
The pre-show was hosted by Ariana DeBose of Hamilton, and Lil Rel Howery of Judas and the Black Messiah. This is the first year that the Oscars have had both a pre- and post-show, with the tunes nominated for best song performed as part of the pre-show.
The 93rd annual Academy Awards are airing live at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. As with the previous two years, there will be no host for the 2021 show, which is being broadcast live from Union Station Los Angeles, Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre, and international locations.
