The Fort Worth-based director and writer of the movie, Greg Kwedar, is also nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay.
FORT WORTH, Texas — The Academy Awards will have some North Texas representation, as Fort Worth singer-songwriter Abraham Alexander has been nominated for Best Original Song.
Alexander performed the song “Like a Bird” for the film “Sing Sing.” The movie was also nominated for Best Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay. The movie’s director and co-writer, Greg Kwedar, is also originally from Fort Worth.
The song is a soft acoustic track with Alexander singing about wanting to fly like a bird. The song compliments the film, which is about men in a New York prison finding purpose and redemption through a theater program.
Born in Greece to Nigerian parents, Alexander has resided in Fort Worth for years.
“Picking up a guitar was as if someone gave me a pen for the first time,” Alexander told WFAA in 2023. “The more I tried to learn the language of the instrument, the more I understood myself, the more doors were opening up for me. And I think when doors open as you’re getting to know yourself more, I feel like that is an indication that you’re on the right path.”
Alexander credits a broad range of musical influences for helping him hone his sound. From Tracy Chapman to Bill Withers, Taylor Swift to Ray LaMontagne, Paul Simon to Gary Clark, Jr.
“And the songs that I write are about my life, and they’re connecting with people,” Alexander told WFAA previously. “And so it just makes the world a smaller place for me. And I think that is the lightbulb. That’s like you’re exactly where you need to be.”
Alexander’s devoted local fans have packed venues for past performances.
“I want my music to be indicative that anything is possible as long as you have faith and you’re willing to put one foot in front of the other, that you’ll be okay,” he said.
The winners will be announced at the Academy Awards on March 2.
