Oscars Cut Song Performances: Artists Outraged

Producers for the 98th annual Oscars have decided to feature only two of the five nominated Original Songs during the telecast. The selected songs are from 'Sinners' and 'KPOP: Demon Hunters,' chosen for their global cultural impact. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from nominees, including veteran songwriter Diane Warren.

Warren, who received her 17th nomination for her song 'Dear Me,' expressed that the exclusion of three nominated songs is unfair and disrespectful to the artists involved. She argues that all nominated songs should be performed or none at all, recalling a past instance where a similar protest led to all songs being included.

The Academy intends to showcase the three excluded songs—from 'Viva Verdi,' 'Train Dreams,' and 'Diane Warren: Relentless'—through a "bespoke package" of film footage and behind-the-scenes insights. However, Warren believes this is insufficient and hopes other performers will boycott the show, comparing the situation to crossing a picket line.

This controversial decision comes just weeks before Oscar voting begins, a timing that Warren finds particularly egregious. She emphasizes that the exclusion sends a message that these nominated songs, including her own, do not matter, which she feels is contrary to the Academy's supposed values of inclusivity.