Behind the Oscar-Nominated Songs From Documentaries ‘Viva Verdi’ and Diane Warren

In a rare occurrence for the Oscars, two of this year's five Best Original Song nominees hail from documentary films. This marks only the second such instance in the category's 91-year history. Adding to the uniqueness, one of these songs is a fully-fledged aria, a format that has also been recognized just once before by the Academy.

The nominations include veteran songwriter Diane Warren, who received her 17th career nomination for "Dear Me," a track from a documentary about her own life. The more surprising entry is "Sweet Dreams of Joy," which secured its spot over songs by prominent artists like Stephen Schwartz and Miley Cyrus. It originates from the little-seen documentary "Viva Verdi!," which explores Casa Verdi in Milan. This retirement home for musicians was founded in 1896 by the legendary Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi—creator of iconic operas such as "Aida" and "La Traviata"—and remains operational today, providing a unique sanctuary for aging artists.

Composer Nicholas Pike, best known for his television score work on series like "The Shining," wrote the song in a single day after viewing a brief compilation of scenes from the then-unfinished film. Moved by the residents, aged 77 to 103, who continue to mentor young musicians, Pike was inspired to capture their spirit. "These people, in their third act in life, were just so full of joy and passion; I was feeling the energy of the place," he recalls. Initially a simpler piece, the song evolved as filming continued. Recognizing that most Casa Verdi residents had classical backgrounds, Pike decided to recast "Sweet Dreams of Joy" in operatic form to honor their legacy.

To perform it, he enlisted acclaimed soprano Ana Maria Martinez, whose credits include starring roles with the Los Angeles Opera in "Carmen" and the Pittsburgh Opera in "Tosca." Martinez, drawn to both the song's message and the film's subject, agreed to record the aria. Pike, who wrote both music and lyrics, describes the piece as "a celebration of life as an artist, living a life through music." He adds, "The aria is a musical rendering in the most visceral way of joy, inspiration and possibilities. Its classical foundation brings a deeper level of complexity and weight that appeals, I think, to anybody with musical leanings."

The final recording features Martinez's soaring vocals accompanied by Pike's classical piano and a string ensemble, creating a sophisticated sound that evokes nostalgia for Europe's grand opera tradition. Pike expressed gratitude that the Academy's music branch "acknowledged a song outside of the norm." This nomination not only highlights a unique artistic collaboration but also shines a spotlight on Verdi's enduring philanthropic vision, reminding audiences that creative passion knows no age. As one music critic noted, "This nod validates the power of niche documentaries to introduce profound, genre-defying music to a global stage."