Diane Warren has entered rarified Oscar territory. On Jan. 23, she was nominated for best original song for the seventh year in a row, for her song “The Fire Inside” from Flamin’ Hot. That’s the longest continuous streak of nominations in this category since Sammy Cahn was nominated eight years in a row from 1954-61.
Warren is one of just eight songwriters or composers to be nominated for an Oscar seven years running. By adding in composers, we are broadening the discussion to include nominations in scoring categories.
Some of the names on this list, like the legendary John Williams, you will immediately recognize. You probably also know Alfred Newman, the patriarch of the Newman family scoring dynasty, and Max Steiner, one of the great composers of Hollywood’s golden age. Other names most likely won’t ring a bell, but we listed some of their most famous credits from their nominations streak, which you are more likely to recognize.
Famously, Warren has yet to win a competitive Oscar, and this wouldn’t appear to be her year to finally bring one home. “What Was I Made For?” from Barbie seems to be headed for a win. The other nominees in the category are “I’m Just Ken,” also from Barbie; “It Never Went Away,” from American Symphony; and “Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People),” from Killers of the Flower Moon. The 96th Oscars will be presented on March 10.
Here are all songwriters or composers who received Oscar nominations in seven or more consecutive years. The years shown are the year of the film’s release.
