Will this be Diane Warren’s sweet 16 for Oscar nominations?
A legendary songwriter’s quest for recognition
Diane Warren, a name synonymous with timeless music, is on the brink of her 16th Oscar nomination. This year, she aims to capture the Academy’s attention with her latest track, “The Journey”, from Tyler Perry’s upcoming war drama, “The Six Triple Eight”. The film, starring Kerry Washington, is set to be released on Netflix and tells the inspiring true story of the first and only all-Black Women’s Army Corps unit stationed overseas during World War II.
The story behind ‘The Six Triple Eight’
“The Six Triple Eight” delves into the remarkable journey of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion. These 855 women, facing discrimination and the challenges of a war-torn world, sorted through a three-year backlog of undelivered mail, bringing hope to American soldiers far from home. Their story is one of perseverance, courage, and triumph against all odds.
Watch the trailer for The Six Triple Eight
‘The Journey’: A tribute to resilience
Written by Warren and performed by the globally acclaimed H.E.R., “The Journey” is a powerful anthem dedicated to those who overcome insurmountable barriers. The song mirrors the extraordinary resilience of the women of the 6888th Battalion, making it a fitting tribute to their legacy.
Although “The Journey” was released as a single last year, it remains eligible for the best original song category at the Oscars, as it was specifically written for Perry’s drama. There is a precedent for such songs receiving recognition, like “In the Deep” from “Crash” (2005) and the Oscar-winning “Falling Slowly” from “Once” (2007).
Diane Warren: A career of near-misses
Warren’s career is a testament to her enduring talent and dedication. Despite 15 Oscar nominations, she has yet to secure a win. Her notable nods include “Because You Loved Me” from “Up Close & Personal” (1996), “How Do I Live” from “Con Air” (1997), “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” from “Armageddon” (1998), “There You’ll Be” from “Pearl Harbor” (2001), and most recently, “The Fire Inside” from “Flamin’ Hot” (2023). Remarkably, she has been nominated for the past seven consecutive years.
In addition to her multiple Oscar nominations, Warren has won an Emmy, a Grammy, and two Golden Globes. She was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2001 and received the prestigious Johnny Mercer Award this past June. In 2023, she became the first songwriter to receive an Honorary Oscar, alongside directors and artists Peter Weir, Euzhan Palcy, and Michael J. Fox.
H.E.R.: A rising star
H.E.R., who recently performed at the Olympics Closing Ceremony in Paris, won her first Oscar for co-writing “Fight for You” from “Judas and the Black Messiah” (2021). She has also won five Grammys throughout her remarkable career, including best traditional R&B performance for “Fight for You” and song of the year for “I Can’t Breathe”.
Listen to Fight for You on Spotify
A documentary on Diane Warren
Bess Kargman’s documentary, “Diane Warren: Relentless”, premiered at SXSW in March, offering an intimate look into Warren’s life and career. The film highlights her relentless pursuit of excellence and her unwavering passion for music.
The anticipation builds
As “The Six Triple Eight” gears up for its release later this year, the anticipation for “The Journey” and its potential Oscar nomination grows. Will this be the year Diane Warren finally takes home the coveted statuette? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: her music continues to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide.
Watch the trailer for The Six Triple Eight
For cinema, TV series, and music enthusiasts, the journey of Diane Warren is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact of storytelling through music. Her work, much like the stories she helps tell, transcends time and continues to touch the hearts of many.