SZA is making her big screen acting debut beside Keke Palmer

EGOT winner SZA has a nice ring to it, huh? The “Snooze” singer is now one step closer to achieving that lofty (but deserved, in this writer’s opinion!) goal. Per Deadline, the artist is set to make her film debut alongside Keke Palmer, in an upcoming “buddy comedy” film from the team behind Rap Sh!t. (R.I.P.) Issa Rae will serve as producer for the untitled project, which will be directed by Lawrence Lamont and written by Syreeta Singleton, both of whom also worked on the gone-too-soon Max series. Lamont also has a great deal of experience on SZA’s side of the industry. In addition to his television work, he’s also directed popular music videos for Big Sean, J. Cole, and more.

SZA didn’t actually need the film acting credit to enter the Oscar conversation, of course. She was nominated for Best Original Song in 2019 for “All The Stars,” her collab with Kendrick Lamar for the Black Panther soundtrack. She also won three Grammys for her work on her 2022 album SOS earlier this year. But this pivot is exciting for the artist nonetheless, considering the production value—and clear appreciation for cinematic history—she’s brought to music videos like “Kill Bill” and “Shirt” (featuring LaKeith Stanfield!) in the past.

But it’s not just SZA’s bona fides that make this such an inspired casting decision—it’s also who she’s starring with. While Keke Palmer continues to turn in great performance after great performance in films like Nope and Alice, there’s one that doesn’t get talked about quite enough: her cameo in the now-iconic SNL sketch “Big Boys,” alongside—you guessed it—SZA. SZA was the musical guest when Palmer hosted the show back in 2022, and the two made some real magic together. (If you don’t immediately know what we’re talking about, hit play on the video below ASAP. You’re welcome!) If the duo can recreate something even half as delightful as this, we may be in for an all-timer.