What is unusual about the Oscar-nominated songs this year?

This year, two of the five nominated songs are from documentaries, and one of them is an opera aria, which is a rare occurrence in Academy Awards history.

What is the documentary 'Viva Verdi!' about?

'Viva Verdi!' is a documentary about a retirement home for musicians in Milan, Italy, founded in 1896 by composer Giuseppe Verdi.

Who performed the Oscar-nominated song 'Sweet Dreams of Joy'?

The opera aria 'Sweet Dreams of Joy' was performed by soprano Ana Maria Martinez for the documentary 'Viva Verdi!'.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Opera Star Sings Oscar-Nominated Tune for Elderly Musicians

Opera Star Sings Oscar-Nominated Tune for Elderly Musicians

7 Feb

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Summary

Two nominated songs are from documentaries, a rare Academy Awards occurrence.
An opera singer performs an aria, marking a second historical achievement.
The song 'Sweet Dreams of Joy' is featured in a film about musicians' retirement home.

Opera Star Sings Oscar-Nominated Tune for Elderly Musicians

For only the second time in Academy Awards history, two songs from documentaries have been nominated in the Best Original Song category. Furthermore, one of these nominated songs is an aria, a feat achieved only once before in the awards' 91-year history.

Diane Warren, a veteran songwriter, secured her 17th nomination for "Dear Me." The unexpected contender, "Sweet Dreams of Joy," hails from the documentary "Viva Verdi!" This film focuses on a retirement home for musicians, established in 1896 by composer Giuseppe Verdi and still operational in Milan.

Composer Nicholas Pike was moved to write "Sweet Dreams of Joy" after viewing scenes from the documentary. He decided to recast the song in an operatic style, enlisting soprano Ana Maria Martinez for the recording. Pike's composition, inspired by the vibrant elderly residents, is described as a celebration of life through music.