As part of the Academy's December 16 shortlists across 12 categories for the 98th Oscars, the music branch has unveiled 15 songs eligible for Best Original Song. Highlights include tracks from Sinners and Wicked: For Good, plus contributions from Miley Cyrus, Ed Sheeran, and others. Five nominees will be selected by branch vote.
Best Original Song Shortlist
The Academy narrowed 65 eligible songs from 2025 films to this shortlist of 15, featuring standout tracks from major releases. Sinners and Wicked: For Good each have two entries, including “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters (co-written by EJAE of HUNTR/X) and “Dream as One” from Avatar: Fire and Ash (featuring Miley Cyrus and Mark Ronson).
Key Songs and Artists
Established names shine: Billy Idol on “Dying to Live” from Billy Idol Should Be Dead; Ed Sheeran co-writing “Drive” from F1: The Movie. Diane Warren's “Dear Me” from Diane Warren: Relentless could mark her ninth consecutive nod. From Wicked: For Good: “The Girl in the Bubble” (Ariana Grande) and “No Place Like Home” (Cynthia Erivo). Sinners entries: “I Lied to You” and “Last Time (I Seen the Sun)” by Miles Caton (latter feat. Alice Smith).
Others: “As Alive As You Need Me To Be” from Tron: Ares (Nine Inch Nails), “Our Love” from The Ballad of Wallis Island (Tom Basden and Carey Mulligan), “Salt Then Sour Then Sweet” from Come See Me in the Good Light (Sara Bareilles and Brandi Carlile), “Sweet Dreams of Joy” from Viva Verdi! (Ana María Martínez), “Highest 2 Lowest” from Highest 2 Lowest (Aiyana-Lee), and “Train Dreams” from Train Dreams (Nick Cave). Note: Performer for “Dear Me” listed variably as Kesha in some sources, but confirmed as Warren's.