Diane Warren on Her 17th Oscar Nomination, Campaigning During Awards Season and the Two Directors to Whom She’d Relinquish Song Rights

In her Hollywood studio, legendary songwriter Diane Warren wears a t-shirt that reads "High Fucking Standards"—a motto she fully embodies. When questioned about it, she confirms the sentiment is genuine, particularly regarding her craft, the artists she selects like a casting director, and fiercely guarding her publishing rights. Through her company Realsongs, which she founded and controls, Warren retains ownership of her publishing and many master recordings. However, she makes an exception for two visionary filmmakers, stating she would readily accept a call to write for either Paul Thomas Anderson or Christopher Nolan.

Warren's relentless drive is currently focused on awards season, fueled by her 17th Oscar nomination for "Dear Me," a song from the documentary "Diane Warren: Relentless." The title is fitting; her campaign involves attending countless parties, screenings, and receptions. She even hosts an infamous annual New Year's Eve gathering for hundreds. This year, it was shut down by the LAPD, who cited her as a public nuisance—a citation she has since framed, along with a selfie taken with the officers. "It's nothing that other people don't do," Warren notes of her seasonal hustle. "I'm out there representing my work... I like to do it."

The nominated song, "Dear Me," holds profound personal significance. Warren wrote it for the documentary, returning to her childhood home and composing in her old bathroom to connect with her younger self—a girl who felt isolated, bullied, and misunderstood. "I guess I was a little on the spectrum, or whatever," she reflects. The song's universal message has resonated widely; Warren recalls young singers visiting her studio and crying, telling her the track made them feel less alone. For the recording, she was adamant about one artist: Kesha. "I always knew... it had to be Kesha because she could sing the absolute shit out of it, and it would be authentic," Warren explains, citing the singer's own difficult life experiences as key to delivering an emotionally truthful performance.

As for the Oscars ceremony itself, Warren has a tradition. She gathers with close friends, orders pizza, and despite not being a big drinker, has a couple glasses of red wine to calm her nerves. They count down the seconds to the Best Original Song announcement, waiting through the commercial break. "I always say, 'I've already won whatever happens,'" she states, acknowledging the honor of the nomination itself. Still, a win for this deeply personal song would be "the icing on the vegan cake"—a surreal and beautiful full-circle moment for the independent songwriter who often feels like "the little train that could" against major studio contenders. While she doesn't expect to win, the possibility is thrilling. "It would be the craziest, most unlikely thing," she admits, confessing she'd likely faint on the way to the stage. Nevertheless, she plans to prepare a speech, just in case.

Beyond the Oscars, Warren expresses surprise at the reach of her documentary, which also scored a Grammy nomination without any active campaigning on her part. She remains dedicated to her craft, constantly writing and forever striving. "I'm always writing, and I'm never satisfied. I always feel like I haven't made it yet," she says. Her ambition is undimmed, and her door remains open for new collaborations. Her final message to filmmakers is a simple invitation: "I just love writing songs for movies. I'm open. So call me."