The 2026 Oscars are approaching, and attention is turning to the nominees for best original song. On March 15, 2026, the ceremony will take place at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, showcasing the best in film and music.
This year, the nominees for best original song include five standout tracks: ‘Dear Me’ from ‘Diane Warren: Relentless’, ‘Golden’ from ‘KPop Demon Hunters’, ‘I Lied to You’ from ‘Sinners’, ‘Sweet Dreams of Joy’ from ‘Viva Verdi!’, and ‘Train Dreams’ from ‘Train Dreams’.
‘Dear Me’, written by Diane Warren, is a reflective and deeply moving piano ballad performed by Kesha, shaped as a letter to Warren’s younger self. This marks Warren’s 17th nomination in this category, further solidifying her legacy in the music industry.
‘Golden’, written by EJAE, Mark Sonnenblick, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seo, and Teddy Park, has already racked up plenty of awards this season, including a Grammy and a Golden Globe. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks, showcasing its widespread appeal.
‘I Lied to You’, penned by Raphael Saadiq and Ludwig Göransson, is notable for being the first pure blues number ever nominated for best original song. This unique distinction highlights the diversity of the nominees this year.
‘Sweet Dreams of Joy’, composed by Nicholas Pike, is a soaring operatic piece created for the 2024 documentary film ‘Viva Verdi!’. This nomination marks Pike’s first Oscar nomination, adding to the excitement surrounding the event.
Lastly, ‘Train Dreams’, written by Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner, is also their first Oscar nomination. The inclusion of these artists reflects a blend of established and emerging talent in the music scene.
The 98th Academy Awards will air live on ABC and stream on Hulu, allowing audiences worldwide to witness the celebration of cinematic and musical achievements.
All nominated songs are available to stream on major platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and YouTube, making it easy for fans to enjoy the nominated works.
This year’s nominations highlight the evolving landscape of music in film, showcasing a variety of genres and styles that resonate with audiences. The recognition of these artists not only celebrates their individual talents but also the collaborative nature of the film and music industries.