Rick Ross, John Legend and Anthony Hamilton have been shortlisted for Best Original Song Oscar Nominations. While this increases their chances, the list is not so short. 

Rick Ross’ “100 Black Coffins”; John Legend’s “Who Did That to You?”; Anthony Hamilton’s ”Freedom”; and Elisa Toffoli’s “Ancora Qui” give the soundtrack to Quentin Tarantino’s Django Unchained four chances to snag a nod.

But while it is called a “short list,” there are seventy-five songs up for consideration, including Katy Perry‘s “Wide Awake” (Katy Perry: Part of Me) Adele‘s “Skyfall” (Skyfall); and the Black Keys‘ “Baddest Man Alive” from RZA‘s Man With The Iron Fists.  

If Ross wins, he would be the third rap act to take home the award in this major category, after Three 6 Mafia famously rocked the Oscars in 2006 with “It’s Hard Out Here For a Pimp” from Hustle & Flow; and Eminem‘s 2003 win for the 8 Mile smash “Lose Yourself.”

Jamie Foxx, who stars in Django Unchained as a freed slave on a bloody mission to rescue his wife, produced Ross’ “100 Black Coffins.” The film, which also stars Samuel L. Jackson and Leonardo Di Caprio, hits theaters on Christmas day. 

The songs that will be nominated for the 85th Annual Academy Awards will be announced on January 10.
–Erik Parker, CBS Local