The 2024 Oscars are fast approaching, and the competition for the coveted title of Best Original Song is heating up. In what promises to be one of the tightest races in recent memory, acclaimed artists Billie Eilish, Diane Warren, and Jon Batiste, along with surprise contender “Wahzhazhe” from ‘Killers of the Flower Moon,’ have emerged as the top contenders for the prestigious songwriting prize.
Billie Eilish, who previously clinched the Best Original Song award at the 2022 Academy Awards for “No Time to Die,” is back in the race with her brother-producer Finneas. The dynamic duo’s track, “What Was I Made For?” from ‘Barbie,’ has positioned Eilish as the leading nominee. This comes as no surprise given their proven track record in delivering memorable and award-winning compositions.
The Greta Gerwig-directed box office hit, ‘Barbie,’ has not only secured a nomination for Billie Eilish but also for the track “I’m Just Ken” by Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt. The song, performed by Ryan Gosling, showcases the versatility of these hitmakers who previously won Best Original Song for “Shallow” from ‘A Star is Born.’
Oscar winner Jon Batiste, known for his contributions to Disney’s ‘Soul,’ is nominated for “It Never Went Away” from the Obamas-produced documentary, ‘American Symphony.’ Collaborating with Dan Wilson, the duo has crafted a poignant song that reflects on Batiste’s rising career and his wife’s battle with leukemia. With his stellar musical background, Batiste brings a unique perspective to the race.
Diane Warren, a seasoned songwriter, adds another feather to her cap with a record-breaking 15th nomination for Best Original Song. Her contribution this year, “The Fire Inside” from ‘Flamin’ Hot,’ performed by Becky G, showcases Warren’s enduring talent. This follows her receipt of an Academy Honorary Award just last year, cementing her status as one of the industry’s greats.
“Wahzhazhe” from ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’: Adding an unexpected twist to the competition is “Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)” from ‘Killers of the Flower Moon.’ The Native American chant, performed by Osage Tribal Singers and written by Scott George, offers a culturally rich and unique addition to the nominee list.
As the countdown to the 2024 Oscars begins, the competition for Best Original Song is poised to be one for the ages. Billie Eilish, Diane Warren, Jon Batiste, and the surprise entry “Wahzhazhe” bring a diverse array of musical styles and narratives to the table. Whether it’s the infectious beats of Eilish, the emotional depth of Batiste, or the cultural significance of “Wahzhazhe,” each nominee adds a layer of intrigue to this year’s Oscars. Tune in on March 10th to witness which artist will walk away with the prestigious award for Best Original Song.