Cannes Lions

Lil Nas X "Montero"

UNDERWONDER CONTENT, Los Angeles / COLUMBIA RECORDS / 2022

Film

Overview

Entries

Credits

Overview

Background

Tanu Muino directs a bold, innovative promo for Lil Nas X that has courted a whole heap of controversy.

The video for Montero (Call Me By Your Name) is a tour de force of 3D art, larger than life set pieces and a truly mesmerising performance, and is presented with an important message of freedom from the trailblazing artist.

Idea

Nas starts on a journey, where he encounters various version of himself. Ultimately he descends from the heavens straight into Satan's lap, where he gives a sultry lapdance, all the while celebrating and embracing who he is - and blocking out the naysayers and haters.

Strategy

The strategy was meant to reveal the "real" Nas whose real name is Montero to the world in a creative way that would provide metaphorical insight into his background of who he is. Not the Nas who everyone has been familiar with from Old Town Road.

Execution

The execution involved director Tanu Muino and Lil Nas X collaborating and co-directing this very personal piece. Once they developed and fleshed out all visual aspects to the idea, they brought on the Mathematic VFX to help translate what was in their heads onto the screen. The process involves 3 weeks of prep, a 2 day shoot, and 5 weeks of post production.

Outcome

The outcome was one of the most culturally defining music videos ever made that was all over the news the second it was released. From CNN to Fox News, this video stirred up lots of controversy. It opened up the door to many important discussions about sexuality and redefined Lil Nas X as one of the most important artists of this generation.

It has since won MTV VMA's Video of the Year and director of the year. It won UKMVA's Video of the Year and director of the year. And it was also nominated for this year's Grammy awards for best music video.

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