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Oscars 2026: Songwriters Vie for Coveted Best Original Song Nod
13 Nov
Summary
- 15 original songs and 20 original scores shortlisted for Oscars
- Miley Cyrus, Billy Idol among top contenders for Best Original Song
- Diane Warren chases record-breaking 17th nomination in the category
On November 13, 2025, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the shortlists for 15 original songs and 20 original scores ahead of the 98th annual Oscars telecast on March 15, 2026. This early reveal constitutes an early holiday present for the creators of these acclaimed works.
Among the top contenders for Best Original Song are several high-profile collaborations. Miley Cyrus, Andrew Wyatt, Mark Ronson, and Simon Franglen teamed up for "Dream As One" from the film Avatar: Fire and Ash. Meanwhile, Billy Idol, J. Ralph, Steve Stevens, Tommy English, and Joe Janiak co-wrote "Dying To Live" for the movie Billy Idol Should Be Dead.
Veteran songwriter Diane Warren is also in the running, submitting "Dear Me" from the film Relentless. If nominated, it would be Warren's 17th nod in the category, surpassing the record held by the late Sammy Cahn.
The academy will award no more than four Oscars in the Best Original Song category this year. Should any of the shortlisted songs win, the multiple songwriters must share a single statuette.
