The 2026 Oscars shortlist for Best Original Song is a diverse and competitive field, with a mix of chart-topping hits, critically acclaimed tracks, and songs from highly anticipated films. Here's a breakdown of the contenders and some key insights:
The Contenders
- Golden by KPop Demon Hunters: This song from the streamer's most-watched movie ever poses a serious threat to other contenders. It's performed by HUNTR/X (EJAE, Audrey Nuna, Rei Ami) and has already received a Golden Globe nomination.
- Train Dreams by Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner: Another Netflix entry, this song from the Clint Bentley-directed film has been rising in predictions and also received a Golden Globe nomination.
- Dream as One by Miley Cyrus: Cyrus, Andrew Wyatt, and Mark Ronson's song from Avatar: Fire and Ash is a strong contender despite the film's release being delayed. Its box office potential makes it a song to watch.
- Last Time (I Seen the Sun) and I Lied to You by Warner Bros.: Both songs from the Ryan Coogler-directed film Sinners have made the shortlist. I Lied to You, in particular, has already been named Best Song at the Hollywood Music Media Awards and received a Golden Globe nomination.
- Wicked: For Good by Stephen Schwartz: Universal's musical adaptation of the Broadway hit snagged two spots with The Girl in the Bubble and No Place Like Home.
- Dear Me by Diane Warren: Warren's 17th Oscar nomination is a strong contender, performed by Kesha in the documentary Diane Warren: Relentless.
The Snubs
- The Testament of Ann Lee: Amanda Seyfried's film was notably absent from the shortlist, as was Daniel Blumberg's song Clothed by the Sun.
- Lose My Mind by Don Toliver featuring Doja Cat: While Drive by Ed Sheeran made the cut, Lose My Mind was snubbed.
The Shortlist
The full 15-song shortlist for Best Original Song is:
- As Alive As You Need Me To Be – Tron: Ares
- Dear Me – Diane Warren: Relentless
- Dream As One – Avatar: Fire and Ash
- Drive – F1
- Dying To Live – Billy Idol Should Be Dead
- The Girl In The Bubble – Wicked: For Good
- Golden – KPop Demon Hunters
- Highest 2 Lowest – Highest 2 Lowest
- I Lied To You – Sinners
- Last Time (I Seen the Sun) – Sinners
- No Place Like Home – Wicked: For Good
- Our Love – The Ballad of Wallis Island
- Salt Then Sour Then Sweet – Come See Me in the Good Light
- Sweet Dreams of Joy – Viva Verdi!
- Train Dreams – Train Dreams
The final five songs will be revealed on January 2, 2026, with the Academy Awards ceremony taking place on March 15, 2026.
