Diane Warren: 17th Oscar Nod & Campaign Secrets

Songwriter Diane Warren has achieved her 17th Oscar nomination with the song "Dear Me," featured in her documentary "Diane Warren: Relentless." Warren, who founded and controls Realsongs for her publishing rights, embraces a rigorous approach to her career, famously stating she has "high fucking standards." She actively engages in awards season campaigning, attending various industry events and parties. This dedication is a significant part of her strategy to promote her work. Warren hosts an annual New Year's Eve party, which has previously drawn attention from local authorities.

Her Oscar viewing parties, a tradition started about ten years ago, are intimate gatherings with close friends. Warren describes the nomination itself as a major win, emphasizing that being among the five nominated songs is an achievement. She reflects on the personal significance of "Dear Me," a song written for her documentary about her younger self's feelings of loneliness and being misunderstood. She chose Kesha to perform the song due to her authentic delivery and life experiences, believing the song would deeply resonate with her.

Despite her many accolades, Warren still experiences feelings of insecurity, likening herself to the "little train that could" when compared to larger corporations. She plans to write an acceptance speech, acknowledging the possibility of a win, however unlikely, as a full-circle moment for her career. Warren also expressed openness to writing songs for acclaimed directors like Paul Thomas Anderson and Christopher Nolan should they approach her.