Oscar Nominations 2026: Music Highlights
The Academy Award nominations for 2026 are out, and while the acting categories often generate the most buzz, the music nominations offer their own set of talking points, especially regarding repeat nominees and emerging trends.
Diane Warren’s 17th Nomination
Diane Warren received her 17th Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song on January 22, 2026, for “Dear Me,” performed by Kesha and featured in the documentary Diane Warren: Relentless.
Warren is the most nominated woman in Oscar history without a win, having been nominated for Best Original Song every year since 1987. Despite a prolific career writing hits for numerous artists, her recent nominations have largely been for ballads featured in lesser-known films. Her previous nominations include songs for artists like Celine Dion and Whitney Houston, but her recent work has focused on end-credit songs.
As of January 22, 2026, Warren has not won an Academy Award despite 17 nominations.
“Golden” Favored to Win
“Golden,” performed by HUNT/X and featured in the soundtrack for Kpop Demon Hunters, is widely considered the frontrunner for Best Original Song at the 2026 Oscars.
The song already secured a win at the 83rd Golden Globe Awards on January 7,2026,in the category of Best Original Song – Motion Picture. Kpop Demon Hunters, released on November 15, 2025, has become a cultural phenomenon, boosting the song’s popularity and Oscar prospects. The film grossed $450 million worldwide as of January 22,2026,according to Box Office Mojo.
Stereogum reported on the Golden Globe win on January 8, 2026.
