Lenny Kravitz has been chosen to perform for the In Memoriam segment at the 95th Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday, paying tribute to Hollywood nominees from before and behind the camera who have passed away.
The Grammy winner, 58, who tantalized co-star Jennifer Coolidge while they were filming in the Dominican Republic, was asked to helm the segment by Oscars producers Glenn Weiss and Ricky Kirshner and executive producer Molly McNearny.
The announcement was made Monday morning and is expected to be followed later in the week with more news about presenters who will take part in the annual extravaganza.
Following the In Memoriam tribute, more than 200 filmmakers, artists and executives will be honored in an extensive photo gallery on A.frame, the Academy’s digital magazine.
The Fly Away artist has a long history with Hollywood. He is the only child of actress Roxie Roker and producer Sy Kravitz.
Oscars: Lenny Kravitz, 58, has been chosen to perform for the In Memoriam segment at the 95th Academy Awards ceremony Sunday, paying tribute to Hollywood nobles from before and behind the camera who have passed away (pictured in Los Angeles in January )
History: The Grammy winner has a long history with Hollywood. He is the only child of actress Roxie Roker and producer Sy Kravitz
He is the father of The Batman star Zoe Kravitz, 34, who he shares with ex-wife Lisa Bonet.
In a 2020 chat with Interview magazinethe American Woman singer said his upbringing in Brooklyn exposed him to theater and the arts.
The hitmaker offered his daughter that same experience when she was growing up.
“Most of our friends were writers, sculptors, photographers, painters, actors, musicians, designers, jewelry makers,” he explained.
“Zoë soaked it all up, as did I. She grew up around people like Prince, Mick Jagger, Steven Tyler, Stevie Wonder. They were very similar.’
Although his main interest was music, Lenny has delivered some unforgettable performances on screen.
These include Precious, The Hunger Games, Lee Daniels’ The Butler, and most recently in the Netflix romantic comedy Shotgun Wedding.
“It all started with Lee Daniels,” he revealed.
Art: In a 2020 chat with Interview magazine, the American Woman singer said his upbringing in Brooklyn exposed him to theater and the arts (pictured in Los Angeles in November 2022)
Tradition: The hitmaker offered his daughter Zoe, 34, who he shares with ex-wife Lisa Bonet, 55, the same kind of experience. “Most of our friends were writers, sculptors, photographers, painters, actors, musicians, designers, jewelry makers” (Pictured in Los Angeles in February 2016)
Memorable Performances: Although his primary focus was on music, the American Woman singer has landed some memorable performances on screen, including The Hunger Games film series
Recent role: Lenny’s most recent role was for the Netflix comedy Shotgun Wedding, starring Jennifer Lopez and Josh Duhamel
“I’ve always been really happy making music, but I was finishing up a tour and he called me and offered me a part in Precious, and I thought, ‘Why not?'”
More success followed. “Then I was offered The Hunger Games because the director had seen Precious. I’ve never auditioned for a movie before.’
The chart-topper hasn’t released an album since 2018’s Raise Vibration, but in a recent Instagram post he told his fans, “I’m in the studio right now,” though it’s not yet known when he’ll be releasing new music.
The 95th Academy Awards air Sunday on ABC.
