Diane Warren has received her 17th Oscar nomination for Best Original Song at the 2026 Academy Awards for the song “Dear Me,” performed by Kesha. This nomination adds to Warren’s remarkable history of 16 previous losses, making her one of the most nominated songwriters in Oscar history.
Warren, who has never won a competitive Academy Award, received a Governors Award from the Academy in November 2022, recognizing her significant contributions to music and film. “I’ve never taken awards as validation. The work itself is the reward,” Warren stated, reflecting her perspective on accolades.
The song “Dear Me” was released in 2025 and is particularly meaningful as it was written as a letter to Warren’s younger self. Kesha, who performed the song, described it as one of the most special songs Warren has ever written. “This song was so special for her to ask me to sing. It’s a song written to herself for her documentary and she has said it’s one of the most special songs she’s ever written in her life,” Kesha noted.
Diane Warren has written nine number-one hits and 33 Top 10 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing her enduring influence in the music industry. Her ability to resonate with audiences across decades is evident, as she has been nominated for an Oscar in every decade since the 1980s.
As the 2026 Oscars approach, observers are keen to see if Warren will finally secure her first win after a long career filled with nominations and accolades. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final outcomes of the awards, but Warren’s legacy as a prolific songwriter continues to be celebrated.
