Diane Warren, renowned for her songwriting prowess, is poised for yet another chance at winning the coveted Academy Award for Best Original Song. This marks her 16th nomination, as she strives for her first win with the piece titled “The Journey” from the film “The Six Triple Eight.” The Oscars ceremony, held on March 2, 2025, is anticipated to be especially meaningful for Warren, who received recognition with an honorary Oscar in 2022 but has yet to secure the award for her original compositions.
The song “The Journey,” performed by Academy Award winner H.E.R., carries significant emotional weight, and Warren expressed her excitement about the nomination during an appearance on “Good Morning America.” Reflecting on her work, she stated, “I think to me [it is] one of my best songs.” Her passion for the project is palpable, and she remains hopeful about the Oscars, noting, “I love the movie and you never know what’s going to happen. I’m just so excited.”
Warren, who started her music career as a teenager with encouragement from her father, has built an illustrious portfolio over the years. Her breakthrough hit came with “Rhythm of the Night” for DeBarge, followed by iconic collaborations with legends such as Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, and Whitney Houston. Despite her success, the long wait for Oscar recognition has been notable. Her first nomination came in 1987 for “Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now” from the film “Mannequin,” but she lost to the classic “(I've Had) The Time of My Life.”
A series of nominations followed, including “Because You Loved Me” performed by Celine Dion, which earned her significant acclaim and her first Grammy. Despite the accolades, the Oscar continued to elude her; she lost again to formidable competition, such as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s poignant “You Must Love Me” from “Evita.” With numerous subsequent nominations, Warren has become synonymous with the category but still waits for her moment on the Oscar stage.
Warren's song “The Journey” is spotlighted within “The Six Triple Eight,” which chronicles the story of the all-female, all-Black battalion of soldiers during World War II. This historical significance adds layers of depth to her nomination, as it brings attention to the valor of these soldiers. During the Oscar season, H.E.R. remarked on the unusual choice by Oscar producers not to include live performances of the nominated songs, stating, "It’s kind of weird, but I’m just happy to be …” She would have performed “The Journey” at the event, had performances occurred.
This year’s competition is fierce, with predictions abuzz over who will clinch the award. Critics speculate on various entries, including “El Mal” from “Emilia Pérez,” which has garnered accolades from the Golden Globes to the Critics’ Choice Awards. Warren remains philosophical about the industry, emphasizing the value of being nominated, saying, “Five songs are picked, only five songs,” drawing contrasts between the Oscars and Grammys which boast numerous categories. “If I’m one of those, man -- that's winning.”
While the Academy Awards bring glitz and glamour, Warren's experiences remind admirers of the perseverance needed within the industry. After multiple close calls, each nomination only strengthens her resolve and refines her artistry. Reflecting on past near-wins, she recounted her belief she would win for the song “Til It Happens To You,” performed by Lady Gaga, stating, “I think everyone thought I’d win, including me.” Nevertheless, she remains optimistic about her work and its impact, saying rather candidly, "My song had such a life of its own, I think it will last a long time.”
Though Oscars history shows her as someone who has faced extraordinary losses, the distinction of holding the title for the most nominations without winning brings its own kind of recognition. Despite the lack of the Oscar, the honorary award has fanned the flames of her passion. The 2025 Oscars ceremony, available live on ABC and Hulu, promises to not only be another season of glamor but also the culmination of Warren’s years of effort and creativity.