Two Oscar-Nominated Songs Highlight Documentaries on Music Legends

Diane Warren and composer Nicholas Pike earn nods for songs in films about Verdi and Warren's career

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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For the second time in Academy Awards history, two of the five nominated songs are from documentaries. Veteran songwriter Diane Warren earned her 17th nomination for 'Dear Me' (written for a documentary about her career), while the surprise nomination was 'Sweet Dreams of Joy' from the obscure documentary 'Viva Verdi!' about a retirement home for musicians built by the famous Italian composer.

Why it matters

The inclusion of songs from documentaries in the Oscar race highlights the Academy's recognition of the power of music to elevate non-fiction storytelling. It also showcases the versatility of composers like Diane Warren and Nicholas Pike, who are able to craft songs that resonate across different genres.

The details

The 'Viva Verdi!' documentary is about a retirement home for musicians, built in 1896 by Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi, that is still in operation in Milan today. Composer Nicholas Pike was so moved by a 12-minute compilation of scenes that he wrote the song 'Sweet Dreams of Joy' in a day. He decided to recast it in operatic form and asked soprano Ana Maria Martinez to perform it, as most of the home's residents were active in classical music.

  • The 91st Academy Awards ceremony will take place on March 2, 2026.

The players

Diane Warren

A veteran songwriter who has earned 17 Oscar nominations, including one for the song 'Dear Me' written for a documentary about her own career.

Nicholas Pike

A composer best known for his work on TV scores, including 'The Shining,' who wrote the song 'Sweet Dreams of Joy' for the documentary 'Viva Verdi!'

Ana Maria Martinez

A soprano who has performed with the Los Angeles Opera and Pittsburgh Opera, and who agreed to record 'Sweet Dreams of Joy' for the 'Viva Verdi!' documentary.

Giuseppe Verdi

The famous Italian composer of operas like 'Aida' and 'La Traviata,' who built the retirement home for musicians that is the subject of the 'Viva Verdi!' documentary.

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What they’re saying

“These people, in their third act in life, were just so full of joy and passion; I was feeling the energy of the place.”

— Nicholas Pike, Composer (Variety)

“Because the aria is steeped in more of a classical vibe, it naturally brings a deeper level of complexity, finesse and weight that appeals, I think, to anybody with musical leanings.”

— Nicholas Pike, Composer (Variety)

What’s next

The winners of the Best Original Song category at the 91st Academy Awards will be announced on March 2, 2026.

The takeaway

The inclusion of songs from documentaries in the Oscar race highlights the Academy's recognition of the power of music to elevate non-fiction storytelling and showcases the versatility of composers who are able to craft songs that resonate across different genres.