Diane Warren has once again found herself at the center of attention during the annual Academy Awards, yet not for the reasons she had hoped. The legendary songwriter, renowned for her powerful ballads and chart-topping hits, suffered her 16th consecutive loss at the 97th Academy Awards held on March 2, 2025, at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California.
Warren, 68, was nominated for Best Original Song for her composition "The Journey" from the poignant film "The Six Triple Eight," directed by Tyler Perry. This film tells the inspiring story of the all-Black, all-female 6888th battalion who served during World War II. Despite the high hopes and anticipation surrounding this nomination, Warren's song was eclipsed by the track "El Mal" from the film "Emilia Pérez," composed by Clément Ducol and Camille Ducol, performed by Zoe Saldaña, who also took home the Best Supporting Actress award at the ceremony.
This defeat marks another milestone in Warren's illustrious yet bittersweet career. With 16 nominations and no wins, she solidified her record for the most Oscar nominations without securing the coveted golden statue. Warren first snagged her nomination back in 1988 with "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" from the film "Mannequin," setting off what would become one of the longest losing streaks in Oscar history.
Warren's latest nomination was one of her best-attended opportunities to win, especially as it featured the performance of it by H.E.R., an artist with her own Academy Award win. This nomination was her eighth consecutive bid for Best Original Song, which began with 2017's "Stand Up for Something." Many believed this year would finally be Warren's year, particularly following the scrutiny faced by the other nominated songs, especially due to the Emilia Pérez social media controversy.
Diane Warren reflected on her long-standing quest for Oscar gold prior to the awards, stating, "I don't even know how I'd react [if I won]. I'd have to be conscious. I'd probably faint. I'm not going to lie, it would be amazing. Especially for this song. It's the Journey — there are a lot of levels to the song, and they're really special. And it would make it more special if [winning] happened."
Yet, as the evening unfolded, Warren's hopes were dashed when the Ducol song took center stage, leaving her dreams of victory unfulfilled yet again. This latest loss ties her with sound engineer Greg P. Russell, who also boasts 16 nominations without ever winning. Russell's record is murky, as some sources claim he has 17 nominations, but one was rescinded by the Academy Board of Governors.
Warren's remarkable career, which spans over three decades and includes hits across genres and generations, continues to inspire many aspiring musicians. She has penned nine US no. 1 songs and 33 top-10 hits, with notable tracks like Celine Dion's "Because You Loved Me," Aerosmith's "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing," and Cher's "If I Could Turn Back Time." Her ability to resonate with audiences through her lyrics cements her status as one of the most prominent songwriters of her time.
Though she has not yet claimed competitive Oscar gold, accolades do adorn her career. Warren received an Honorary Academy Award at the 13th Governors Awards in 2022, recognizing her extraordinary contributions to the film music industry.
The recent Oscar ceremony also saw noteworthy winners. Anora captured the Best Picture award, and Adrien Brody and Mikey Madison were celebrated with the best acting prizes. Kieran Culkin and Zoe Saldaña won for their supporting roles as the excitement unfolded on stage.
Despite her continuous losses, Diane Warren's resilience and talent remain undeniable. Each year, she returns to the Oscars, hoping for recognition of her artistry. Yet, as the lights dim and the envelopes are opened, Warren's name is called once again not as the winner, but as the nominee. For fans and supporters, there’s hope for the future. Whoever walks away triumphant may carry along their own dreams, but for Warren, her dreams of securing Oscar gold remain tantalizingly out of reach.