Marc Shaiman Reflects on Performing with Bette Midler at the Oscars

The Tony-winning composer shares stories from his memoir "Never Mind the Happy"

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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In an excerpt from his memoir "Never Mind the Happy: Showbiz Stories from a Sore Winner," composer Marc Shaiman recounts the experience of preparing to perform his Oscar-nominated song "The Place Where Lost Things Go" from "Mary Poppins Returns" on the Oscars stage with his longtime idol, Bette Midler. Shaiman details the behind-the-scenes drama of getting all five nominated songs included in the Oscars telecast and the thrill of sharing the stage with Midler.

Why it matters

Shaiman's memoir offers a rare, insider's look at the high-stakes world of awards season and the challenges composers and songwriters face in getting their work recognized. His story also highlights the enduring appeal of Bette Midler and the lasting impact of the "Mary Poppins" franchise.

The details

In the excerpt, Shaiman describes the morning he and his husband Lou learned of their Oscar nominations for "The Place Where Lost Things Go" and the Best Score for "Mary Poppins Returns." He then recounts the drama that unfolded when the Oscars producers initially announced that only two of the five nominated songs would be performed on the telecast. Shaiman details how he appealed the decision and leveraged his connections with Bradley Cooper and Marvel's Kevin Feige to get all five songs included.

  • On February 24, 2019, Shaiman and Midler performed "The Place Where Lost Things Go" at the 91st Annual Academy Awards.
  • A few weeks earlier, on the morning the Oscar nominations were announced, Shaiman and his husband learned of their nominations.

The players

Marc Shaiman

A Tony- and Emmy-winning composer known for Broadway hits like "Hairspray" and music for "South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut."

Bette Midler

An acclaimed actress, singer, and comedian who was Shaiman's idol and collaborator.

Scott Wittman

Shaiman's lyrical collaborator of almost fifty years, with whom he co-wrote the Oscar-nominated song "The Place Where Lost Things Go."

Bradley Cooper

An actor and producer who Shaiman reached out to for help getting all five nominated songs included in the Oscars telecast.

Kevin Feige

The "Supreme Intelligence of the Marvel Cinematic Universe" who Shaiman also contacted for assistance.

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What they’re saying

“This evening's next nominee for best original song was written by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman for the film Mary Poppins Returns. In addition to lifting the Banks children's spirits through a series of magical adventures, Mary Poppins offers comfort and compassion with this tender lullaby, underscoring the notion that a loved one who is lost can still be very much present. Performing 'The Place Where Lost Things Go' with Marc Shaiman on piano, please welcome the Divine Miss M.”

— Keegan-Michael Key, Oscars Presenter (CBS News)

What’s next

Shaiman's memoir "Never Mind the Happy: Showbiz Stories from a Sore Winner" is set to be published on February 27, 2026.

The takeaway

Shaiman's story highlights the challenges and triumphs of being a creative artist in the high-pressure world of awards season, as well as the enduring power of iconic performers like Bette Midler to captivate audiences. His memoir promises to offer a unique, behind-the-scenes perspective on the entertainment industry.