LOS ANGELES — History was made at the 98th Academy Awards on Sunday night, though for Diane Warren, it came with a bittersweet twist.
The prolific songwriter extended her infamous winless streak to 0-17, officially setting a new record for the most competitive losses in Oscar history. Warren was nominated for Best Original Song for “Dear Me,” a poignant ballad she wrote for her own documentary, Diane Warren: Relentless, performed by Kesha. The award ultimately went to “Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters.
The moment solidifies Warren’s unique place in Academy Awards lore. Since her first nomination in 1987, she has been recognized by the music branch an astonishing 17 times without a single victory—a feat of consistency that is as remarkable as it is frustrating.
“Well at least I’m consistent!” Warren wrote on Facebook shortly after the ceremony. “But U know me, I will be back if you’ll have me!!! 💪🎶🎵🎬🏆❤️”
If history is any indicator, the Academy will indeed have her back. Warren has been nominated in nine consecutive years, demonstrating a relentless presence in the category that mirrors the title of her documentary.
A Lonely Trophy on the Mantel
While Warren has yet to claim a competitive Oscar, she is not entirely empty-handed. In 2022, she received an Honorary Academy Award in recognition of her decades of contributions to film music. However, as she recently confessed to The New York Times, the honorary statue is eager for company.
“My honorary Oscar gets really lonely,” Warren said ahead of the ceremony. “He wants a friend.”
For now, that friend remains elusive. With her 17th loss, Warren surpasses previous record holders like sound mixer Kevin O’Connell (who eventually won on his 21st nomination) and composer Alex North. Unlike many of her predecessors, Warren has yet to experience the thrill of hearing her name called on live television.
What’s Next?
At 69, Warren shows no signs of slowing down. Her ability to consistently land nominations—often for songs in films that fly under the radar—has become an annual tradition during awards season. With a new documentary chronicling her journey and a work ethic that remains unmatched, it seems inevitable that she will be back in the Dolby Theatre next year.
Whether the Academy will finally give Warren’s lonely honorary Oscar a companion remains to be seen. But if her track record proves anything, it’s that the songwriter is in it for the long haul.
