Character Counts: Songs in the Oscar Race Go Beyond Just Being Pretty Tunes

The most impactful film songs are those that deepen our understanding of a character, crystallize the narrative, or otherwise elevate the cinematic journey. The year 2025 proved to be an exceptionally rich period for such musical contributions, with several standout examples. Among the most prominent are two new compositions by legendary songwriter Stephen Schwartz for the movie adaptation of "Wicked." While the first film contained no original songs, the sequel's expanded second act—stretching from the stage version's 45 minutes to a two-hour runtime—created space for new material. "It allowed us to visualize events that were merely implied or occurred offstage in the theatrical production," Schwartz explains.

These new songs serve crucial narrative functions. "The Girl in the Bubble," performed by pop superstar Ariana Grande—whose role as Glinda marks a major cinematic shift from her music career—represents a pivotal moment for the character. "It's Glinda's turning point, where she realizes she can no longer shield herself from reality and the repercussions of her actions and alliances," Schwartz says. "We needed to take the time for her to confront her own reflection and decide she must change." The other addition, Cynthia Erivo's powerful "No Place Like Home," sets the stage for the finale by exploring Elphaba's profound sacrifice. Schwartz notes that the song, which underwent numerous revisions, aims to convey "the cost to her and her deep, unrequited love for Oz." He believes the challenge of expressing such complex emotion is worth it, stating, "Songs are at their best when they are multi-layered."

In a different approach for the film "Highest 2 Lowest," director Spike Lee sought an undiscovered talent to perform a key six-minute audition scene for Denzel Washington's record-executive character. He discovered British-born, Los Angeles-based artist Aiyana-Lee on Instagram and contacted her directly. Lee wanted the moment to be authentic and special, capturing the executive's rediscovery of his musical roots. "The song stood for soulful, true artistry, something his character had lost touch with," Aiyana-Lee says. After writing nearly a dozen options, she and Lee refined the selection through daily calls. "He encouraged me to inject my own life story into the role and the song, so everything I'm singing is raw and real to me," she adds. This collaborative process highlights how a director's specific vision can shape a song's creation, seeking a genuine voice to serve the film's emotional truth.

Contrasting with this story of a newcomer is the work of veteran songwriter Diane Warren, a figure synonymous with cinematic music. With 16 Academy Award nominations spanning nearly four decades and an honorary Oscar awarded in 2022 for her indelible impact on film music, Warren penned "Dear Me" for the documentary "Relentless," which chronicles her relentless career journey. The song is a deeply personal reflection. "Music saved my life in many ways; I didn't have an easy time growing up," Warren shares. She aimed to write a musical letter to her younger, isolated self. "I wanted to tell her, 'You don't see it now, but it will be okay.'"

The remarkable outcome, as Warren notes, is the song's universal resonance. "Here's the irony: it's my most personal song, but perhaps also my most universal. I've received more response to this song than almost any I can recall—it's genuinely touching people," she observes. This underscores a key principle in film music: the most specific, heartfelt expressions often forge the strongest connection with a broad audience, completing the film's emotional arc in a way dialogue alone cannot.