The 2026 Oscar nominations for Original Score and Original Song sparked excitement across the music and film communities. Veteran songwriter Diane Warren celebrated her 17th nomination, aiming for her first Academy Award win, while composers Bryce Dessner, Nicholas Pike, and Max Richter earned their inaugural nods.

Two-time Oscar winner Alexandre Desplat also returned to the shortlist. Despite differing levels of experience and creative approaches, all nominees expressed profound joy upon hearing their names during the 8:30 a.m. ET announcement on Thursday, January 22.

Behind the Music: Creative Journeys and Inspirations

Bryce Dessner, nominated for “Train Dreams” from Clint Bentley’s film, described the challenge of writing a song for a minimalist story. Collaborating with Nick Cave, who quickly penned lyrics inspired by a dream, Dessner highlighted the effortless synergy between music and film.

Alexandre Desplat’s score for Guillermo Del Toro’s “Frankenstein” used the violin as a delicate motif to evoke humanity, expanding into a full symphonic choir without relying on typical horror tropes. Nicholas Pike composed “Sweet Dreams of Joy” for “Viva Verdi!”, a documentary about elderly opera singers, discovering a newfound passion for opera in the process.

Max Richter’s work for “Hamnet” intertwined minimal music with natural sounds and period instruments, creating an ethereal score that complemented the film’s tragic narrative.

Diane Warren’s Personal Touch and Aspirations

For Diane Warren, the 17th nomination came with a deeply personal connection. Her song “Dear Me,” performed by Kesha for the documentary “Diane Warren: Relentless,” is a message of hope aimed at her younger self, reflecting experiences of loneliness and misunderstanding.

Including contributions from third graders, the track resonated widely for its authenticity and optimism. Warren personally chose Kesha for her relatability, hoping this meaningful project would finally secure her first Oscar, making her 17th nomination potentially her lucky one.