The race for the coveted Oscars Best Original Song is always one of the most anticipated categories, and this year's nominees have some fascinating backstories. From a K-pop superhero saga to a heartfelt documentary plea, these five songs represent the incredible depth and diversity of modern movie music. Let's dive into what makes each of them so special.
"Golden" from KPop Demon Hunters
When the high-octane animated film KPop Demon Hunters hit Netflix last year, it took the world by storm. But behind the neon-soaked visuals and electrifying dance numbers lies an empowering story about three K-pop idols who moonlight as demon-slaying superheroes. "Golden," performed by the film's talented voice cast, is a pulsing anthem that celebrates the characters' strength, resilience and unapologetic ambition. Composers Rina Sawayama and Jarreau Vandal crafted a track that's equal parts club banger and inspirational battle cry - no wonder it struck a chord with the Academy.
"I Lied to You" from Sinners
The gritty crime drama Sinners may seem like an unlikely home for an Oscar-nominated song, but "I Lied to You" is a powerful blues-infused standout. Composed by Ludwig Göransson and Raphael Saddiq, the track is anchored by a soulful vocal performance that explores the film's themes of redemption and the echoes of America's troubled racial history. What this really means is the Academy is recognizing how music can elevate a gritty drama, giving it an emotional resonance that stays with you long after the credits roll.
"Sweet Dreams of Joy" from Viva Verdi
In a true Cinderella story, the obscure documentary Viva Verdi managed to snag a Best Original Song nomination for the sweeping operatic ballad "Sweet Dreams of Joy." Composer Nicholas Pike was so moved by the film's depiction of a retirement home for classical musicians that he wrote the song in a single day. The bigger picture here is that the Academy is shining a light on smaller, passion projects that use music to tell powerful stories - even if they aren't mainstream blockbusters.
"Dear Me" from Diane Warren: Relentless
Legendary songwriter Diane Warren has been nominated for an Oscar a staggering 17 times, but has never taken home the gold. "Dear Me," from the documentary Diane Warren: Relentless, is her latest shot at victory - a poignant, self-reflective plea for recognition that tugs at the heartstrings. While some may see it as a bit of Oscar bait, there's no denying the raw emotion and decades of creative passion Warren has poured into her work. A win would be a long-overdue career milestone.
"Holo" from The Wild Robot
Rounding out the nominees is "Holo" from the sci-fi family film The Wild Robot. Composed by Tori Amos and Lori McKenna, the track blends ethereal electronic textures with heartfelt lyrics about the bond between humans and artificial intelligence. It's a thoughtful, genre-bending entry that showcases the nominees' range - the Academy is clearly looking to honor songs that push the boundaries of what movie music can be.
At the end of the day, the 2026 Best Original Song race is a testament to the incredible versatility of contemporary film scoring. These five nominees cover everything from blockbuster spectacle to intimate character studies, all united by their ability to elevate the stories they inhabit. Whichever song takes home the gold, it's clear the Academy is committed to honoring the full scope of what movie music can achieve.