Meet the shortlist of finalists for the best original song at the Oscars 2026

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A mix of icons and new talents.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has revealed the coveted shortlists for two of the most anticipated music categories of the 98th edition of the premios Oscar. The lists, released ahead of the official nominations, suggest an exciting competition between pop music superstars, industrial rock legends and acclaimed film composers.

The Best Original Song list has been rereduced to 15 themes (de 65 eligible), showing a great diversity of genres and artists such as Nine Inch Nails (Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross) with “As Alive As You Need Me” (TRON: Ares), the collective HUNTR/X with “Golden” (KPop Demon Hunters) and pop superstars Miley Cyrus and Kesha.

The categoryBest Original Score hto preselectioned 20 scores de 132 eligible. Featured composers include Nine Inch Nails (Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross), the winner of the Oscar Ludwig Gƶranssonthe teacher Hans Zimmer, Johnny Greenwood (Radiohead) and Daniel Lopatin (Oneohtrix Point Never).

The final nominations for the 24 categories of the 98th awards Oscar they will be given conight on January 22, 2026, whileafter the awards gala, which will be presented by Conan O'Brienis scheduled to celebrateon March 15, 2026.

Stay tuned for Indie Rocks! for more details.

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Christopher Johnson

Christopher Johnson is a dedicated writer and key contributor to the WECB website, Emerson College's student-run radio station. Passionate about music, radio communication, and journalism, Christopher pursues his craft with a blend of meticulous research and creative flair. His writings on the site cover an array of subjects, from music reviews and artist interviews to event updates and industry news. As an active member of the Emerson College community, Christopher is not only a writer but also an advocate for student involvement, using his work to foster increased engagement and enthusiasm within the school's radio and broadcasting culture. Through his consistent and high-quality outputs, Christopher Johnson helps shape the voice and identity of WECB, truly embodying its motto of being an inclusive, diverse, and enthusiastic music community.