Songwriter and singer Tems’ Oscars seemed to delight fans on Sunday, but also left some viewers at home scratching their heads.
Tems wore a stunning white Lever Couture gown with a structured cloud-like hood that draped over her head. The “Free Mind” singer was nominated this year for best original song for “Lift Me Up,” the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” song she co-wrote.
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While the singer’s look received some praise on social media, some Twitter users pointed out that Tems’ ensemble may have obstructed the view of guests seated behind her during the ceremony.
Some even criticized the artist because she seems inconsiderate of the people around her.
But other Twitter users took a more nuanced view of Tems’ dress.
Some people celebrated a black woman unapologetically sitting down at a historically white ceremony that has long faced criticism for the lack of diversity in its nominees and honorees. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has come under fire for excluding black directors and performers from recent films like “The Woman King” and “Till” in its Oscar nominations this year.
“I applaud Tems for proudly and unapologetically taking the space, owning it and leading by example,” reporter Carolyn Hinds he posted on Twitter.
BuzzFeed reporter Ade Onibada wrote in an article published Monday that Tems, who is Nigerian, was wearing an ensemble that resembled a gele, a traditional tie worn in Nigeria.
Other people have pointed out that celebrities, like Lady Gaga, have worn vision-blocking dresses to award ceremonies on more than one occasion.
“Lady Gaga has been wearing gear to perform for years and 3 other women have worn similar outfits this awards season, but she SAFE calls Tems obnoxious and inconsiderate.” he posted on Twitter criminal lawyer Olayemi Olurin.
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Fear May have responded to some of the outcry surrounding her Oscar look.
Singer posted several photos on Twitter of her wearing the dress on Sunday night, writing “Oops” in the post.
