As a songwriter and music industry professional, I’ve long admired Diane Warren for her relentless dedication to the craft. Her ability to create songs that transcend time, touch emotions, and define iconic moments in film has been a huge inspiration in my own journey as a songwriter and in the business of music. If there’s anyone who embodies perseverance, passion, and an unshakable belief in their work, it’s Diane Warren.
So when she received her 16th Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song at the 2025 Oscars—and once again, didn’t win—it hit differently. Not because it was unexpected (after all, she has been here before), but because Warren represents something bigger than just awards: she is proof that true success isn’t measured by trophies, but by impact.
The Journey of a Songwriting Powerhouse
Warren’s career is one that every songwriter dreams of. She’s written for the biggest names in music—Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Aerosmith, Toni Braxton, Cher, Beyoncé, and so many more. Her songs have not only topped charts but have become cultural anthems, woven into the fabric of our memories.
Some of her most iconic Oscar-nominated songs include:
🎶 “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” – Mannequin (1987)
🎶 “Because You Loved Me” – Up Close & Personal (1996)
🎶 “How Do I Live” – Con Air (1997)
🎶 “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” – Armageddon (1998)
🎶 “Til It Happens to You” – The Hunting Ground (2015, co-written with Lady Gaga)*
For years, I’ve studied her work—not just the melodies and lyrics but the business mindset behind them. Warren understands the power of persistence in an industry that can be unforgiving. She keeps writing, pitching, and believing in her music, no matter the outcome. And that’s something that every songwriter, including myself, should take to heart.
2025 Oscars: Another Nomination, Another Snub?
At this year’s Academy Awards, Warren was nominated for “The Journey,” performed by H.E.R. for the film The Six Triple Eight. The film, directed by Tyler Perry, tells the incredible true story of the first all-Black, all-female battalion in World War II, a powerful and historically significant story.
Warren expressed deep pride in contributing to such an important project. “The Journey” carried a message of resilience and determination, much like her own career. It was a song with meaning, not just a melody, and in true Warren fashion, it struck a chord with audiences.
But once again, the Oscar didn’t go her way.
When asked about her 16th loss, Warren—true to form—laughed it off, saying: “I’m consistent as f—.” She’s even embraced the title “The Terminator of the Oscars,” vowing that she’ll be back next year—and probably the year after that, too.
Beyond the Oscars: What Diane Warren Teaches Us About Success
I think what makes Diane Warren so special is that she doesn’t need an Oscar to validate her career. She’s already received an Honorary Oscar (2022) for her contributions to film music. More importantly, her music is still being played, streamed, and cherished by generations.
She has written songs that have defined decades. Her work has helped shape the business of songwriting, showing how one writer can create hits for multiple artists across different eras.
For me, her career is a blueprint for longevity in songwriting. She teaches us that:
✅ Success isn’t about awards, but about consistency.
✅ The best songwriters don’t stop after a hit—they keep writing.
✅ Great songs don’t chase trends—they create timeless emotions.
✅ You don’t need permission to be great—you just need persistence.
Will Diane Warren Ever Win an Oscar?
At this point, it almost doesn’t matter. Warren is already a legend. Whether she wins or not, she will still be writing songs that move the world. And I have no doubt that she will be back next year—maybe with her 17th nomination, maybe with her first win.
But regardless of what happens, Diane Warren has already won in the ways that truly matter: through her music, her resilience, and the countless songwriters she has inspired—including me.
And for that, she will always be a champion. 🎶🏆
