Outstanding Song
The Outstanding Original Song category celebrates music that enhances a film’s emotional depth, resonance, and narrative impact. This year’s nominees have created songs that are both powerful and intimately tied to the stories they represent.
“Bricks” from Exhibiting Forgiveness
Performers: Andra Day
Writers: Andra Day & Jherek Bischoff
“Bricks” is a haunting and soulful ballad that captures the themes of redemption and resilience in Exhibiting Forgiveness. Andra Day’s stirring vocals, combined with Jherek Bischoff’s poignant writing, make this song a standout. This is the first nomination in this category for Jherek Bischoff and the third for Andra Day, who was previously nominated in 2018 for “Stand Up for Something” from Marshall and in 2021 for “Tigress and Tweeds” from The United States vs. Billie Holiday.
“El Mal” from Emilia Pérez
Performers: Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón & Camille
Writers: Clément Ducol, Camille & Jacques Audiard
“El Mal” is a bold, genre-defying track that fuses Latin rhythms with operatic storytelling, perfectly complementing the unconventional narrative of Emilia Pérez. Zoe Saldaña delivers a captivating performance, alongside Karla Sofía Gascón and Camille. This is the first nomination in this category for all performers and writers. Saldaña is also nominated for Outstanding Supporting Performance for the same film, joining an elite group of actresses nominated for both acting and music in the same year. Gascón makes history as the first Trans woman to be nominated in this category, while “El Mal” is the first song from an international film to earn a nomination.
“The Journey” from The Six Triple Eight
Performer: H.E.R.
Writer: Diane Warren
“The Journey” is a soaring anthem of perseverance and solidarity, reflecting the groundbreaking story of the first all-Black female battalion during World War II as portrayed in The Six Triple Eight. This is H.E.R.’s third nomination in this category; she previously won in 2022 for “Automatic Woman” from Bruised. It is also Diane Warren’s fourth nomination, underscoring her legacy as a prolific songwriter in film music.
“Like a Bird” from Sing Sing
Performers: Adrian Quesada & Abraham Alexander
Writers: Adrian Quesada, Abraham Alexander & Brandon Marcel
“Like a Bird” is an uplifting and soulful composition that underscores the themes of hope and transformation in Sing Sing. The powerful collaboration between Adrian Quesada, Abraham Alexander, and Brandon Marcel creates a song that resonates deeply with the film’s message. This is the first nomination for all performers and writers, highlighting their remarkable contribution to the film.
“Piece by Piece” from Piece by Piece
Performers: Pharrell Williams and Princess Anne High School Fabulous Marching Cavaliers
Writer: Pharrell Williams
“Piece by Piece” is a celebratory and vibrant song that captures the joy and collective spirit of creativity explored in Piece by Piece. Pharrell Williams’ writing blends seamlessly with the performance of the Princess Anne High School Fabulous Marching Cavaliers, creating a dynamic and unforgettable track. This marks the first nomination for the Fabulous Marching Cavaliers and the fifth nomination for Pharrell Williams, showcasing his continued excellence in film music.