Oscar voters shortlist ‘Golden’ and standout songs from Sinners and Wicked For Good

Music stars chase Oscars

Big names, including Miley Cyrus, Ed Sheeran, and Billy Idol, appear on the Academy short list for Best Original Song, and several of those artists are credited as songwriters on the tracks they perform.

The shortlist includes songs from movies, musicals, and documentaries. Each track adds to the emotion and energy of its film. Music becomes part of the storytelling, helping audiences connect with characters and plot moments long after the credits roll.

Golden from KPop Demon Hunters

Golden is making waves with a catchy hook and strong vocals. The song lists five credited writers, and its success underscores how film soundtracks can bring K-pop acts and influences into global cinema.

If Golden wins, the Academy may allow the credited writers to accept a single group statuette rather than individual statues. Still, that outcome depends on the Music Branch committee and the writers agreeing to the group statuette arrangement.

Diane Warren’s nine time goal

Diane Warren’s “Dear Me” is on the shortlist, keeping her hopes alive for nine consecutive Oscar nominations. Her songs have inspired fans for decades, blending heartfelt lyrics with memorable melodies that resonate across generations.

Her work continues to show how a single songwriter can shape an entire era of music. From ballads to powerful anthems, Diane Warren proves that skill, consistency, and emotional connection can turn a song into something timeless that fits perfectly within a film’s story.

Songs bring stories alive

Oscar songs like “Dream As One” from Avatar: Fire and Ash do more than entertain, they tell the story. The lyrics and music mirror the film’s epic visuals, creating a richer experience for viewers that enhances emotional impact.

A well-written song can make a movie unforgettable. It connects audiences to characters’ journeys, turning key moments into memories. Music can express feelings that dialogue cannot, allowing viewers to feel the story on a deeper level.

Sinners’ emotional impact

Sinners contributes two songs, “I Lied to You” and “Last Time (I Seen the Sun),” to the shortlist. Each track carries deep emotion, helping audiences understand the characters’ struggles, decisions, and relationships in ways visuals alone cannot capture.

Music in Sinners guides the audience through highs and lows, giving scenes added depth and intensity. These songs act as emotional anchors, helping viewers connect with the narrative while highlighting the importance of soundtracks in modern films that aim to leave a lasting impression.

Wicked: For Good magic

Stephen Schwartz wrote two songs for Wicked: For Good, “The Girl in the Bubble,” and “No Place Like Home.” The music perfectly matches the film’s fantasy world, making every scene feel magical, alive, and emotionally rich.

Musicals rely on songs to communicate plot and character growth. In Wicked: For Good, every note adds meaning, guiding the audience through emotions and story arcs. The music ensures viewers feel connected to the narrative while enjoying the spectacle of melody and performance combined.

F1 action meets music

Drive from F1 credits Ed Sheeran, John Mayer, and Blake Slatkin as writers, and its driving rhythm is intended to mirror the intensity of high-speed racing. Its rhythm and energy capture the thrill of cars zooming around the track, making audiences feel every turn and adrenaline rush.

Music amplifies cinematic action like nothing else. A track like “Drive” turns a racing scene into a full sensory experience. Viewers don’t just watch the action; they feel it, proving how songs in films can enhance excitement, tension, and emotional engagement at the same time.

Collaboration creates hits

Some shortlisted songs have five writers, showing how teamwork drives success. Each co-writer brings unique ideas and strengths, blending different musical styles into a single, cohesive track that elevates the movie it represents.

Collaboration highlights that even famous artists rely on others for creative input. Sharing ideas and experimenting together often leads to songs with more depth, richer melodies, and emotional resonance, making them stronger contenders for Oscars.

Streaming boosts recognition

Two songs on the shortlist come from Apple Original Films: “Salt Then Sour Then Sweet” and “Drive.” Streaming platforms allow instant access to music and movies, helping songs reach millions of fans worldwide quickly and efficiently.

The digital era gives music a bigger stage than ever. Songs can spark trends, generate buzz, and inspire conversations across social media, increasing their cultural relevance and making them serious contenders for major awards like the Oscars.

Animation brought to life

Animated films like Tron: Ares and Avatar: Fire and Ash rely on music to create immersive worlds. The right song can make characters feel alive, giving them emotional depth despite being fully digital or fantastical.

Songs add a human touch to animation. Music expresses emotions that visuals alone cannot, helping viewers relate to the characters, understand their struggles, and feel the story on a personal level, making animated films just as emotionally engaging as live-action productions.

Songs tell the story

Every song on the shortlist communicates something important. Lyrics, melody, and rhythm combine to express feelings that characters may struggle to show, turning key movie moments into emotional highlights that audiences remember.

Original songs make a film more than just a visual experience. They add layers of meaning, capture the spirit of characters, and leave lasting impressions on viewers, proving that music is an essential part of cinematic storytelling that can define a movie’s impact.

Thinking about which films deserve the Oscar? Discover the movies fans and critics are backing for Best Picture.

Countdown to Oscars

The shortlist will lead to official nominations announced on January 22, 2026, and the 98th Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 15, 2026. Fans and critics are watching closely to see which songs make the final cut and which artists might walk away with gold statuettes.

Winning an Oscar is a career milestone. It recognizes talent, creativity, and teamwork while highlighting the power of music to move people. For these artists, the award celebrates the magic songs bring to movies, turning moments on screen into memories that last forever.

Curious who’s taking the stage as host next? Check out why Conan O’Brien is returning to the Oscars in 2026.

Which of these Oscar shortlisted songs is your favorite, and who do you think deserves to win? Share your thoughts in the comments.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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