Awards
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Ahead of tonight’s 2023 Billboard Music Awards, we celebrated the year of chart-toppers at Billboard No. 1s: The Official Party of the Billboard Music Awards on Saturday night in Los Angeles.Among the stars who made their way up to the Sheats-Goldstein Residence in the Beverly Crest neighborhood of LA were 2023 Billboard Music Awards finalists Jordin Sparks and Keena from the K-pop girl group FIFTY FIFTY, as well as Miguel, Coco Jones, Madison Beer, Jaden Smith, Normani, Landon Barker, Bella Poarch, Iann Dior, Diane Warren, Victoria Justice, Westside Gunn, The Rose’s Woosung and Jaehyung, Ross Lynch, Paul Russell, Bia, Baby Tate, The Veronicas, Yvng Lvcas, Queen Naija, Slayyyter, Lele Pons, Harry Jowsey, Skai Jackson, Laura Marano, McKenna Grace and many more.
On the red carpet outside the estate, Keena told Billboard’s Rania Aniftos that she was still processing FIFTY FIFTY being up for two prizes at tonight’s BBMAs: top duo/group and top global K-pop song for “Cupid.” “This is so surreal,” she said. “I can’t believe I’m here. I feel so honored and grateful to be nominated for this award.”
Sparks told Billboard that her husband, Dana Isaiah, was the one who broke the news to her that “Love Me Like I Am,” her collab with for KING & COUNTRY, was up for top Christian song at tonight’s awards show. “It means the world to be a BBMAs finalist,” she said. “Billboard has been such a pillar in the music community for so long, so it feels especially special to be here.”
One of our chart-toppers in the building was Miguel, whose 2010 song “Sure Thing” crawled its way to No. 1 on Billboard‘s Pop Airplay chart this year, more than a decade after its release. “It’s a massive blessing,” he told Billboard. “It’s a testament to how fans can really push a song and great songwriting can live on and live forever, and how great music still matters.”
Another 2023 chart-topper at the party was Coco Jones, whose breakthrough smash “ICU” spent four weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay. “Even seeing ‘ICU’ on the Billboard charts was such a huge goal of mine,” Jones told Billboard on the carpet. “It’s been on my vision board since I was literally 16 years old. So it’s so full-circle and I’m so honored to be here.”
Guests were ushered up to the private residence on Saturday night by a fleet of vehicles from Lexus, which sponsored the Billboard No. 1s party. Once inside, they could hit the dance floor soundtracked by the night’s DJ, NITRANE; grab a drink or a passed app; or head outside for an expansive view overlooking the city across a pool with a massive Billboard No. 1s sign across the back.
The 2023 Billboard Music Awards Presented by Marriott Bonvoy will start rolling out performances and awards via BBMAs.watch, as well as across BBMAs and Billboard social channels, starting tonight at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Find the full schedule, list of performers and how to watch here.
Below, find photos from the red carpet and inside at Billboard No. 1s: The Official Party of the Billboard Music Awards.
Thundercat & Jordin Sparks
Image Credit: Christopher Polk
Thundercat and Jordin Sparks at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Landon Barker & Iann Dior
Image Credit: Christopher Polk
Landon Barker and Iann Dior at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
BIA & Jeleel
Image Credit: Peru Williams
BIA and Jeleel at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Lele Pons
Image Credit: Gilbert Flores
Lele Pons at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Leonelle & Keena
Image Credit: Christopher Polk
Leonelle and Keena at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Normani
Image Credit: Alberto Rodriguez
Normani at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
June Freedom
Image Credit: Peru Williams
June Freedom at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Keena & Jordin Sparks
Image Credit: Christopher Polk
Keena and Jordin Sparks at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Lexie Stevenson
Image Credit: Peru Williams
Lexie Stevenson at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Milo Manheim & Bella Poarch
Image Credit: Peru Williams
Milo Manheim and Bella Poarch at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Coco Jones
Image Credit: Gilbert Flores
Coco Jones at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Arize & Preston Pippen
Image Credit: Peru Williams
Arize and Preston Pippen at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Queen Naija
Image Credit: Alberto Rodriguez
Queen Naija at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Diane Warren & Lori Rischer
Image Credit: Christopher Polk
Diane Warren and Lori Rischer at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Joyce Wrice
Image Credit: Alberto Rodriguez
Joyce Wrice at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Crowder & Jacoby Shaddix
Image Credit: Christopher Polk
Crowder and Jacoby Shaddix at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Jaehyeong, Kim Woo-sung & Miguel
Image Credit: Christopher Polk
Jaehyeong and Kim Woo-sung of The Rose and Miguel at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
BLXST
Image Credit: Alberto Rodriguez
BLXST at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Madison Beer
Image Credit: Christopher Polk
Madison Beer at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Polo G
Image Credit: Alberto Rodriguez
Polo G at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on November 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Kim Woo-sung, Jaehyeong, Jamil Davis & Jaden Smith
Image Credit: Peru Williams
Kim Woo-sung and Jaehyeong of The Rose, Jamil Davis and Jaden Smith at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Baby Tate
Image Credit: Gilbert Flores
Baby Tate at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Keena
Image Credit: Gilbert Flores
Keena at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Cambrian & Tay Keith
Image Credit: Gilbert Flores
Cambrian and Tay Keith at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Diane Warren
Image Credit: Gilbert Flores
Diane Warren at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Fridayy
Image Credit: Alberto Rodriguez
Fridayy at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on November 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Westside Gunn
Image Credit: Gilbert Flores
Westside Gunn at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov.18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Miguel
Image Credit: Gilbert Flores
Miguel at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Ledisi
Image Credit: Gilbert Flores
Ledisi at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Victoria Justice
Image Credit: Gilbert Flores
Victoria Justice at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Khris Riddick-Tynes
Image Credit: Alberto Rodriguez
Khris Riddick-Tynes at Billboard No. 1’s Party held on Nov. 18, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Ahead of his performance at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards, which is set to kick off tonight at 8 p.m. ET, Peso Pluma talks candidly about his connection to boxing, his famous haircut and the magic of music.
“It’s amazing,” the Mexican star tells Billboard about having Mike Tyson join him during his first-ever BBMAs performance, where he will be singing “Rubicon.” “It’s another dream come true. I’ve been watching him all my life and he’s an inspiration and a motivation for me to keep going and do whatever I like.”
Fun fact: Another boxing legend inspired Peso’s stage name, which translates to “featherweight” in English. “We were all skinny when we began and we were playing at a private party and met Marco Antonio Barrera, he was champion in that weight, and we knew from that moment it was destiny — we had to go by that name.”
Additionally, the 24-year-old singer-songwriter spoke about the globalization of Spanish-language music, with his first global hit being his collaboration with Eslabon Armado, “Ella Baila Sola.” “It was just a before and after. When I started seeing that my music was playing in other countries like China and Japan, places where they don’t even speak Spanish, is really cool,” he says. “To hear that people who don’t speak Spanish, they like the music, and that’s the magic of music.” Watch Peso Pluma’s interview above.
Peso Pluma is up for five total awards at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards Presented by Marriott Bonvoy, including top new artist, top Latin artist, top Latin male artist and top Latin album for Génesis, which peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 and spent 15 weeks at No. 1 on the Top Latin Albums chart, the most for a regional Mexican album. He’s also a finalist in the top Latin song category with two entries: “Ella Baila Sola” with Eslabon Armado and “La Bebe” with Yng Lvcas.
Peso’s performance is part of a star-filled lineup of previously announced BBMA performers, including Mariah Carey, David Guetta and Bebe Rexha, Karol G, NewJeans, Stray Kids and Morgan Wallen. Performances and awards will roll out across BBMAs and Billboard social channels, as well as via BBMAs.watch, tonight, beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
Bebe Rexha takes the stage in front of her biggest fans for the 2023 Billboard Music Awards tonight (Nov. 19) to perform “I’m Good (Blue)” with her musical collaborator, David Guetta. To celebrate the song’s big year, Rexha shared her thoughts with Billboard ahead of the performance. “Just seeing the fans embrace ‘I’m Good’ in […]
Peso Pluma explains the meaning behind his artist name, what it means for him to be on the Billboard charts, the worldwide success of “Ella Baila Sola” and more as part of the 2023 Billboard Music Awards Presented by Marriott Bonvoy. ProducerHi Peso PlumaHi What does charting on the Billboard charts mean for you and […]
Stray Kids talk about their performance at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards Presented by Marriott Bonvoy, releasing their EP Rock-Star and their full album 5-Star in the same year, what artists they have been streaming this year and more. Why was this creative/song choice important to you? Stray Kids: All right, so “S-Class” and “LALALALA.” […]
Bebe Rexha shares her favorite Billboard Music Awards moment, talks about her fans’ reaction to her hit with David Guetta “I’m Good” and more. The 2023 Billboard Music Awards are presented by Marriott Bonvoy. Bebe Rexha:I love you. You’re so awesome. Just seeing the fans embrace “I’m Good” in the way that they have has […]
Fans who tune in to the 2023 Billboard Music Awards on Sunday will see performances by Morgan Wallen, Mariah Carey, Peso Pluma, Tate McRae, Bebe Rexha & David Guetta, Stray Kids, NewJeans and KAROL G. Performances and awards will roll out across BBMAs and Billboard social channels, as well as via BBMAs.watch, on Sunday (Nov. 19) beginning at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.
The performances will be tailored to each artist. Wallen will perform “98 Braves” from the Braves’ home field, Truist Park in Atlanta, while the country superstar is in the midst of his sold-out U.S. tour.
Carey will give a festive, Aspen-inspired performance of “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” which will mark the first time the holiday perennial has ever been performed on an awards show. Legendary choreographer (and onetime R&B chart hitmaker) Debbie Allen will oversee creative direction of the sequence.
Peso Pluma’s performance of “Rubicón” will include a special guest appearance by boxing legend Mike Tyson, who is a self-declared Pluma superfan. Over the summer, Tyson posted a video promoting Pluma’s album, Génesis, saying, “Ahhh, it’s my sh–!” when one of the songs started playing.
McRae will make her BBMAs debut by performing her hit “greedy,” which leaps from No. 22 to No. 11 on this week’s Billboard Hot 100. The performance was filmed at the new Moxy Hotel in downtown Los Angeles.
Rexha and Guetta will perform their global hit “I’m Good (Blue)” and their follow-up “One in a Million.”
Stray Kids will make their BBMAs debut with an action-packed performance featuring two of their hit singles, “S-Class” and “LALALALA.” This will mark the first time “LALALALA” has been performed on an awards show.
NewJeans will perform “Super Shy” and “OMG,” two of their five songs that made the Hot 100 this year.
The lineup includes two K-pop acts (NewJeans and Stray Kids) and two Latin artists (Peso Pluma and Karol G), which says a lot about the increased diversification of the contemporary music scene.
Taylor Swift is the top finalist at the 2023 BBMAs with nods in 20 categories. Wallen and SZA are runners-up, with 17 entries each. They are followed by The Weeknd (16); Drake and Zach Bryan (14); Luke Combs (10); 21 Savage, Metro Boomin and Miley Cyrus (nine each); Beyoncé and Rema (seven each); Bad Bunny and Pluma (six each); and Ariana Grande, Guetta, Eslabon Armado, Karol G, NewJeans and Selena Gomez (five each).
The 2023 BBMAs will honor the year’s hottest names in music determined by year-end performance metrics on the Billboard charts. The program, produced by Dick Clark Productions, will deliver a reimagined award show concept that will entertain fans with music and exclusive content. Performances and award celebrations will take place in global locations, in the midst of sold-out tours, and in custom venues.
In a first-of-its-kind collaboration, the BBMAs and Spotify Fans First have teamed up to identify fans who have consumed the most hours of music over the past year and helped drive their favorite artists to the top spots on the Billboard charts. These fans received a “golden ticket” granting them access to attend a performance curated by their favorite artists, expressly for the 2023 BBMAs.
Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott’s travel program and marketplace, is presenting this year’s BBMAs. Other sponsors include Lexus, who surprised one lucky fan with VIP treatment with a private ride in a luxury Lexus vehicle to the one-of-a-kind performance.
Here’s the full list of 2023 Billboard Music Awards performers:
Mariah Carey
KAROL G
Tate McRae
NewJeans
Peso Pluma
Bebe Rexha & David Guetta
Stray Kids
Morgan Wallen
Billie Eilish was admittedly very much in her feelings on Thursday night (Nov. 16) at Variety‘s Power of Women event. The singer, 21 — who opened with a caveat that she was very emotional and weepy due to the heavy dose of the steroid Prednisone she’d taken to treat vocal issues (“I’m zooted right now”) […]
Friday funday, it’s time for another Executive Turntable, Billboard’s comprehensive(ish) compendium of promotions, hirings, exits and firings — and all things in between — across the music industry.
UMG hired Gary Chan to take on the dual role of managing director of Universal Music Hong Kong and senior vice president of Universal Music Greater China, effective immediately. Chan hangs his hat in Hong Kong and reports directly to UMGC chairman and CEO Timothy Xu. Chan was until very recently the chairman of IFPI Hong Kong and arrives to Universal from Media Asia Group Holdings Limited, where he was executive director for 15 year. In year’s past he also held MD roles at both Warner Music Hong Kong and EMI Music Hong Kong. The UMHK artist roster includes Alan Tam, Eason Chan, Xu Zhian, Jiang Haijia, JNYBeatz and others. “Gary’s remarkable contributions to the entertainment industry extend far beyond Hong Kong, marking his dedication and visionary approach,” said Xu. “His leadership will be instrumental in driving the next wave of growth for Chinese music culture and unlocking greater global success.”
Rickey Minor was elected 2nd vice chair of The Television Academy. He’ll serve a two-year term running from Jan. 1, 2024 through Dec. 31, 2025. Minor has won two Primetime Emmys for outstanding music direction and has received 15 Primetime Emmy nominations, including three nods each for music direction of The Oscars and the Kennedy Center Honors, and two for the Grammy Awards. He was the musical director and bandleader on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno from 2010 to 2014, and before that was musical director for American Idol for several years. In other election results, Cris Abrego was elected to a two-year term as chairman of the Television Academy, succeeding Frank Scherma. Other incoming officers are Sharon Lieblein, vice chair; Allison Binder, secretary; and Ann Leslie Uzdavinis, treasurer. Sherri Chung was elected governor to represent the music branch for a two-year term. Jeff Russo is the other governor representing the music branch. He is in the middle of a two-year term. —Paul Grein
Kobalt Music promoted Melissa Emert-Hutner to senior vp of creative, a role with oversight of the NYC creative team and a remit that includes signing more quality artists and writers. Since joining Kobalt in 2016 as vp of creative, Emert-Hutner has worked with a slew of talent, including IDLES, Bon Ever, Conor Oberst, First Aid Kit, Del Water Gap and others. Prior to Kobalt, she held senior roles at Nettwerk Music Group, Sneak Attack Media and Sanctuary Records. “Melissa’s hard work, diligence, teamwork, and passion for music makes this promotion very well deserved,” said Kobalt head of global creative, Alison Donald. “I have no doubt under her leadership, the NY creative team will continue to thrive.”
The Association of Independent Music (AIM) named Ruth Barlow as its new chair at the org’s 2023 annual general meeting on Thursday (Nov. 16). Barlow, a 21-year veteran of Beggars Group, where she is director of live licensing, will work closely with AIM CEO Silvia Montello and the board to support the UK indie music trade group over a two-year term. She replaces outgoing chair Nadia Khan. AIM, based in London, also named four new board members: Tim Dellow (Transgressive), Jackie Joseph (Chrysalis Records / Blue Raincoat Music), Peter Quicke (Ninja Tune) and Chloé van Bergen (Secretly Group). “As AIM’s new chair I want to make all members feel valued and heard and help strive for consensus, increasing engagement among all members of our community,” commented Barlow. “Above all I want to support AIM’s efforts to attract new members, particularly from regional and under-represented groups, and to help arm a new generation of independents with a shared sense of community and knowledge.”
Warner Chappell Music promoted BJ Hill to senior vp of A&R. Throughout his career, Hill has worked with songwriters and artists including Nicolle Galyon, Jordan Reynolds, Charles Kelley, Dave Haywood, Dan+Shay and more. Hill began at Warner Chappell as an associate catalog manager in 2002 and moved to the A&R department in 2005, working his way through the ranks over the past 18 years. He’s played a key role in songs including Dan+Shay’s 8x Platinum-RIAA certified “Tequila” and Lady A’s 11x Platinum RIAA-certified “Need You Now.” Ben Vaughn, president and CEO of Warner Chappell Music Nashville said: “I’ve been lucky enough to work with BJ for over a decade, and he’s always been an unwavering supporter, resource, and friend to our songwriters and the whole Warner Chappell team.” —Jessica Nicholson
ICYMI: Kakao’s chief investment officer was indicted for allegedly manipulating SM Entertainment’s stock price to ward off HYBE’s rival bid for a stake in the K-pop company … Warner Music Latina appointed Brenda Carrasco as vp of marketing and artist strategy … and WMG chief Robert Kyncl laid out the label’s three-pronged approach to AI.
SESAC Music Group hired Ali Hernandez as chief human resources officer. Based in New York, Hernandez is tasked with leading HR strategies and initiatives across SESAC’s family of businesses, including The Harry Fox Agency, Rumblefish, Audium and Mint Digital Services, as well as the namesake performing rights org. She previously as CHRO at TIME and held roles at the Knight Foundation and the Miami Herald Media Company. John Josephson, chairman and CEO, said of Hernandez: “Her passion and expertise in driving business results through collaborative and inclusive solutions centered around people will be a key element of our ongoing drive to build a global organization and to elevate and develop our team around the world.”
Sound Future Foundation, a nonprofit that aims to accelerate climate innovation for the live event industry, appointed Kelci Zile as chief development officer. Zile, who is treasurer of the Sound Future board of directors, will use her new role at the org to lead fundraising efforts and also identify sustainable technology solutions for the live events industries. She is also a director of venture community at EnVest, and a venture partner at SNØCAP. “Live events are a phenomenal testbed to demonstrate that sustainability can be as good for the Earth as it is for the bottom line,” said Zile. “We need solutions that meaningfully cut emissions and increase profit to come to market as soon as possible.” Sound Future also elevated co-founder and chief marketing officer Brandy Schultz to president.
Nashville Notes: Jordan Josephs joined Nashville-based business management firm FBMM in a move to “help take our LA office to the next level.” Josephs works closely with FBMM’s director of West Coast operations, Paul Barnabe … The Country Music Association and CMA Foundation added new staff and promoted a pair of staffers. Ryan Nelson joined from Yamaha to be senior director of event operations; LeighAnn Rodd came from Cracker Barrell to be director of insights; and Victoria Rutledge departed NAMI Tennessee to join the CMA Foundation as director of major gifts. CMA also promoted Justin Randall to senior director of IT and Megan Wise to senior director of brand partnerships … Provident Entertainment, Sony Music’s Christian music label, promoted Charles Van Dyke to vice president of promotions. In his new role, Van Dyke will lead the radio promotions team for both Provident and Sony’s other gospel music label RCA Inspiration.
Last Week’s Turntable: Atlantic A&R Veteran Heads Home
Barbie is likely to be well represented when the Academy Award shortlists are revealed Dec. 21. At least two (and maybe even three) songs from the box-office juggernaut could be in contention for best original song (though only two from a film can be nominated, according to a 2008 rule change).
Diane Warren and Alan Menken are each looking to score their 15th best original song nominations, a benchmark that only five songwriters have reached. If John Williams and the late Robbie Robertson are nominated for best original score, each could make history.
“I’m Just Ken”Mark Ronson, Andrew WyattBarbie, Warner Bros.
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Ronson and Wyatt won in this category five years ago for co-writing “Shallow” from A Star Is Born. “I’m Just Ken,” sung by Ryan Gosling, provided one of the funniest sequences in Barbie. Ronson and Wyatt could have a second Barbie song on the shortlist — the bubbly “Dance the Night,” which they co-wrote with Dua Lipa and Caroline Ailin.
“What Was I Made For?”Billie Eilish, FINNEASBarbie, Warner Bros.
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The siblings won in this category two years ago for their title song to the James Bond film No Time To Die. They’re likely to be nominated for this tender ballad, which Barbie director Greta Gerwig has described as her movie’s “heart” song. Barbie is vying to become the first film with two best original song nominees since La La Land seven years ago.
“Keep It Movin’”Halle Bailey, Denisia Andrews, Brittany Coney, Morten RistorpThe Color Purple, Warner Bros.
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Bailey (as young Nettie) and Phylicia Pearl Mpasi (as young Celie) sing this song onscreen in this new iteration of The Color Purple. “Miss Celie’s Blues (Sister),” from the original 1985 film, was nominated in this category. Quincy Jones, who co-wrote that song with Rod Temperton and Lionel Richie, served as a producer of both films.
“Out Alpha the Alpha”Marius de Vries, Josh Sharp, Aaron Jackson, Karl Saint LucyDicks: The Musical, A24
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Megan Thee Stallion sings this ribald song onscreen in Dicks: The Musical, which is based on an off-Broadway show with an even more risqué title, F–king Identical Twins. The rap star is also in the cast, along with another famous Megan (Mullally), as well as Bowen Yang and Nathan Lane. Megan Thee Stallion took part in an all-star performance of “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” on the Oscar telecast two years ago.
“The Fire Inside”Diane WarrenFlamin’ Hot, Hulu/Searchlight Pictures
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Warren has been nominated in this category the last six years in a row. If she makes it again this year, she’ll have the longest consecutive streak of best original song nods since Sammy Cahn was nominated eight years running (1954-61). The indefatigable Warren has a second song in play, “Gonna Be You” from 80 for Brady.
“High Life”Gary Clark, John CarneyFlora and Son, Apple
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In addition to co-writing this song, Carney wrote and directed the film. Two of Carney’s previous films, Once and Begin Again, yielded best original song nominees (and a winner in the case of Once). Clark, a Scottish musician-songwriter, was the frontman of 1980s pop band Danny Wilson. Eve Hewson, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Orén Kinlan and Jack Reynor sing “High Life” onscreen in Flora and Son.
“Can’t Catch Me Now”Dan Nigro, Olivia RodrigoThe Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, Lionsgate
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The Hunger Games franchise has yet to receive an Oscar nod in any category, but the red-hot Rodrigo is at the point in her career that the music branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is likely to pay notice. She and Nigro have received two Grammy nods for song of the year, for “drivers license” and “Vampire.” Will the moody and atmospheric “Can’t Catch Me Now” find favor here?
“For the First Time”Alan Menken, Lin-Manuel MirandaThe Little Mermaid, Disney
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Menken is an EGOT winner, and Miranda will be one as soon as he wins an Oscar. Menken won his first of four Oscars in this category for “Under the Sea” from the original 1989 iteration of The Little Mermaid. Halle Bailey sings “For the First Time” onscreen in the film. Two other Menken-Miranda songs from the film, “Wild Uncharted Waters” and “The Scuttlebutt,” are also in play.
“Find a Way”Linda PerryNyad, Netflix
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This would be the first Oscar nod for Perry, a two-time Grammy nominee for song of the year. Annette Bening and Jodie Foster star in the film, which tells the story of Diana Nyad who, at age 64, undertook a 110-mile swim from Cuba to Florida. Perry named her song after the title of Nyad’s book, on which the movie is based.
“Road to Freedom”Lenny KravitzRustin, Netflix
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Kravitz, a four-time Grammy winner for best male rock vocal performance, could score his first Oscar nod for this song from a biopic about Bayard Rustin, a lesser-known but crucial figure in the civil rights struggle. The film’s director, George C. Wolfe, helmed the 2020 movie Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, which received five Oscar nods.
“Addicted to Romance”Patti Scialfa, Bruce SpringsteenShe Came to Me, Vertical Entertainment
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Springsteen won an Oscar in 1994 for “Streets of Philadelphia” and was nominated again two years later for “Dead Man Walkin’.” This would be his first nomination with a collaborator — his wife, Scialfa. The original score was composed by The National’s Bryce Dessner. Peter Dinklage and Marisa Tomei star in the film.
“Am I Dreaming”A$AP Rocky, Metro Boomin, Michael Dean, Peter Lee Johnson, Roisee, ScriptpluggSpider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Sony Pictures
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Spider-Man: Into the Spider Verse won an Oscar for best animated feature film five years ago, though its biggest hit, “Sunflower” by Post Malone and Swae Lee, missed out on a best original song nod. Metro Boomin curated the soundtrack to this film, which reached No. 5 on the Billboard 200 in June. A$AP Rocky’s partner, Rihanna, was nominated in this category last year.
“Peaches”Jack Black, Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic, Eric Osmond, John SpikerThe Super Mario Bros. Movie, Illumination/Nintendo/Universal
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This was the year’s second-biggest hit at the box office, behind Barbie. In addition to co-writing and performing the song, Black was in the animated film’s voice cast as Bowser. This would be the first Oscar nomination for Black, who won a Grammy for best metal performance nine years ago for a track he recorded with Tenacious D for a Ronnie James Dio tribute album.
“Better Place”Amy Allen, Shellback, Justin TimberlakeTrolls Band Together, DreamWorks Animation
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Animated characters portraying *NSYNC perform this song onscreen in the movie. Timberlake was nominated in this category seven years ago for co-writing “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” for the first Trolls film. He and the other members of *NSYNC are in the voice cast, along with Anna Kendrick, Kid Cudi, Troye Sivan, Camila Cabello and Anderson .Paak, among others.
“This Wish”Julia Michaels, Benjamin Rice, JP SaxeWish, Disney
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Michaels and Saxe received a Grammy nod for song of the year three years ago for their collaboration “If the World Was Ending.” It was Michaels’ second nod in that category; her first was for co-writing her breakthrough hit, “Issues.” Ariana DeBose, an Oscar winner for the West Side Story remake, sings “This Wish.” She’s also in the voice cast, along with Chris Pine and Victor Garber.
American Fiction (Orion Pictures/Amazon MGM)Laura Karpman
Karpman could be headed for her first Oscar nod for her score to this satirical film that was written and directed by Cord Jefferson (in his feature directorial debut). The film stars Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis Ross, Issa Rae and Sterling K. Brown. Karpman won a Primetime Emmy three years ago for scoring The Discovery Channel’s Why We Hate.
Barbie (Warner Bros.)Mark Ronson, Andrew Wyatt
Ronson and Wyatt, who executive-produced the hit soundtrack album — and were involved in writing and producing several of its tracks — could be headed for their first nod in this category. Wyatt has co-written songs for several Ronson albums. In 2012, the two musicians collaborated on a ballet score for The Royal Ballet of London.
Elemental (Pixar)Thomas Newman
If Newman is nominated, this would be his 15th nod in the category, a total so far achieved by only eight composers in Oscar history. Unlike them, though, he has yet to win. Newman is the youngest son of the late Alfred Newman, who amassed 41 nominations in this category, winning a record nine times.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (Disney)John Williams
This would be Williams’ record-extending 49th nod in a scoring category and his fourth for a film in the Indiana Jones franchise. In total, it would be Williams’ 54th Oscar nomination (the other five are for best original song), which would pull him closer to Walt Disney’s all-time record of 59 for an individual.
The Killer (Netflix)Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross
This would be the fourth nod in this category for Reznor and Ross following The Social Network, Mank and Soul (a collaboration with Jon Batiste). David Fincher, who directed The Social Network and Mank, also directed The Killer. Reznor and Ross won for both The Social Network and Soul. Michael Fassbender and Tilda Swinton star in The Killer.
Killers of the Flower Moon (Apple)Robbie Robertson
This was the 12th and last Martin Scorsese film that Robertson worked on. Robertson, who died in June at age 80, would become the first composer to be nominated in this category posthumously since Bernard Herrmann was cited in 1976 for both Obsession and Taxi Driver. Two other Scorsese regulars, Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, star in the film.
Nyad (Netflix)Alexandre Desplat
This would be Desplat’s 12th nomination in this category, all since 2006. That’s more than anyone else has accumulated in that period. The French composer has won twice, for The Grand Budapest Hotel and The Shape of Water. This would be Desplat’s first nod in the 2020s, following three in the 2000s and eight in the 2010s.
Oppenheimer (Universal Pictures)Ludwig Göransson
The Swedish composer won in this category five years ago for scoring Black Panther. He was nominated for an Oscar last year for co-writing a song for the sequel. Oppenheimer was the year’s fifth-biggest box-office hit, a strong showing for a three-hour adult drama. The Christopher Nolan film was based on the book American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer.
Clockwise: Elemental, Killers of the Flower Moon, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and Oppenheimer.
Disney/Pixar; Melinda Sue Gordon; Sony Pictures.
Origin (Neon)Kris Bowers
Origin is the fifth feature film directed by Ava DuVernay. Her 2014 historical drama, Selma, yielded the Oscar-winning song “Glory” by Common and John Legend. Bowers was nominated for documentary (short subject) three years ago for co-directing A Concerto Is a Conversation, which centered on his conversations with his jazz pianist grandfather. This would be his first nod in a scoring category.
Past Lives (A24)Christopher Bear & Daniel Rossen
Past Lives was written and directed by Celine Song in her feature directorial debut. The film, which stars Greta Lee, Teo Yoo and John Magaro, follows the relationship between two childhood friends over 24 years. Bear and Rossen are members of veteran indie rock band Grizzly Bear, which has landed two top 10 albums on the Billboard 200.
Rustin (Netflix)Branford Marsalis
This would be the first Oscar nomination for jazz saxophonist Marsalis, who is a three-time Grammy winner. Marsalis received a Primetime Emmy nod two years ago for outstanding music composition for a documentary series or special for Tulsa Burning: The 1921 Race Massacre, which aired on the HISTORY Channel.
Saltburn (Amazon/MGM)Anthony Willis
This would be the Australian composer’s first Oscar nod after building a reputation with his scores for How To Train Your Dragon: Homecoming (2019), Promising Young Woman (2020) and M3GAN (2022). Saltburn is the second film to be written, directed and co-produced by Emerald Fennell following Promising Young Woman. Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi and Rosamund Pike star in the psychological thriller.
Society of the Snow (Netflix)Michael Giacchino
This would be Giacchino’s third nomination in this category following Ratatouille (2007) and Up (2009). He won for the latter. Society of the Snow is a 2023 survival thriller about a 1972 flight disaster in Argentina’s Andes Mountains. The cast comprises Uruguayan and Argentine actors, most of whom are newcomers to the craft. The film is scheduled to be released in theaters on Dec. 15.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (Sony Pictures)Daniel Pemberton
The English composer has yet to be nominated in this category. His only Oscar nod is for co-writing “Hear My Voice” from The Trial of the Chicago 7, a best original song nominee three years ago. This film is a sequel to 2018’s Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, which Pemberton also scored.
The Zone of Interest (A24)Mica Levi
The English composer was nominated in this category seven years ago for Jackie. The Zone of Interest, based on a Martin Amis novel, revolves around Auschwitz commandant Rudolf Höss and his wife and their plans to build a dream life next to the concentration camp. The film, which was written and directed by Jonathan Glazer, is set to be released in the United States on Dec. 15.
Additional reporting by Melinda Newman.
This story will appear in the Nov. 18, 2023, issue of Billboard.