Songwriter Diane Warren returns to the Academy Awards with her 17th nomination for best original song, extending a streak that includes each of the past nine years. Despite writing hits such as “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” from Armageddon and “Because You Loved Me” from Up Close and Personal, she has yet to win.
Her latest nominee, “Dear Me,” performed by Kesha for the documentary Diane Warren: Relentless, is a deeply personal anthem written as a message of love and reassurance to her bullied younger self.
Warren, 68, said the song reflects her difficult childhood and how music helped her cope. She described it as the most personal piece she has written for film, resonating with listeners who share similar experiences.
The prolific songwriter, whose work has been recorded by artists including Beyoncé, Cher, and Whitney Houston, received an honorary Oscar in 2022. She said the nomination itself is meaningful, noting that winners are selected by leading film music professionals.
Warren will compete against songs including “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters, “Train Dreams,” “I Lied to You” from Sinners, and “Sweet Dreams of Joy” from the documentary Viva Verdi!.
