Oscars: Society of Composers & Lyricists Asks Academy to Restore Performances of Nominated Songs to Telecast (Exclusive)

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The Professional Songwriters and Composers Association (Society of Composers & Lyricists), a leading group for music creators in film and visual media, has urged the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to reconsider their decision to exclude live performances of this year’s Oscar-nominated songs during the Oscars ceremony. Notably, all songwriters nominated this year are members of this organization.

In a letter dispatched on Friday, Ashley Irwin, president of SCL (Society of Composers & Lyricists), addressed the CEO, board of governors at the Academy, and the producers of the Oscars telecast on March 2, expressing dissatisfaction over the Academy’s recent decision. Irwin described this action as yet another instance of undervaluing music creators, asserting that it aims to mute songwriters.

This year’s Oscar-performing musicians will feature past winners like H.E.R., Elton John, and Brandi Carlile, along with Clément Ducol, Camille, Adrian Quesada, and Abraham Alexander. Additionally, 16-time nominee Diane Warren is also on the list. Irwin points out that with the recent Los Angeles wildfire devastation, these songs may be more impactful than ever before. He explains, “Music has the ability to inspire and heal – a sentiment echoed in this year’s Oscar-nominated songs.

As a gamer, I’m appealing here: “There’s got to be some leeway for abbreviated versions of the nominated tunes during the show. I humbly request you to rethink your decision and let these songs inspire the audience just like they do in their movies.

The Academy declined to comment.

The full text of Irwin’s letter appears below.

Dear AMPAS Governors and producers of the 97th Academy Awards,

As a proud member and president of The Society of Composers & Lyricists (SCL), I stand with over 4,000 fellow professionals across 80 countries who work tirelessly in film and visual media. It’s an honor to be part of this esteemed organization that includes the majority of the Motion Picture Academy Music Branch.

However, we find ourselves disheartened by the decision to omit the Oscar-nominated song performances at the 97th Academy Awards. As creators in a challenging industry, our concerns span from reduced royalties by streaming services to intellectual property theft by tech giants masquerading as AI training.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has historically been a beacon for recognizing and celebrating talented artists like us. Yet, this decision to exclude song performances feels like another instance of undervaluing music and its creators. An opportunity to elevate our craft through the Academy is being missed. A performance showcases the birth of a composer’s or lyricist’s original work. By eliminating the nominee performances, we risk silencing songwriters.

In essence, we yearn for an Academy that champions music and its storytelling role in films, rather than one that seems to be diminishing our craft.

It seems that while I can appreciate the rationale for this choice, I’m under the impression that the Music Branch was not consulted. This year’s selection of artists, such as H.E.R., Elton John, Brandi Carlile, Clément Ducol & Camille, Adrian Quesada & Abraham Alexander, Diane Warren (with 16 Oscar nominations), among others, promises a wide variety in the performances. These performances are expected to bring in a larger audience. However, in light of recent events where entire Los Angeles communities have been devastated and so many lives impacted, music serves as a powerful tool for inspiration and healing – a sentiment echoed in the Oscar-nominated songs themselves.

The Journey from THE SIX TRIPLE EIGHT

Every time you considered surrendering and decided to quit, or doubted your own strength,
You persevered nonetheless.
It’s not just about the destination, but the path you take to get there.
Enduring hardships along the way, yet you will continue to push through…

Never Too Late from ELTON JOHN: NEVER TOO LATE

Indeed, there’s always room for new beginnings:
* A surprise encounter with someone new
* Countless opportunities to start fresh
* The thrill of a first kiss
* Endless chances for first dates

You are like iron man, baby, defying the expectations:
* Disregarding conventional paths like Heaven’s Gate
* Making every moment count, not waiting for the right time

It’s never too late if you’re willing to seize opportunities when they come.

Fly Like a Bird from SING SING

I hope these fractured bones mend,
If only walls could speak, they’d share the agony I experienced that day.
So, I’ll create a thousand skies,
Leaving the weight of the world aside,
Escaping into my art, forgetting it all.

Mi Camino [English lyrics] from EMILIA PÉREZ

I yearn for self-love, dear, indeed, in every aspect of my journey
Indeed, I crave that self-love within me
I aspire to embrace myself wholly with love and acceptance
I long to cherish myself exactly as I am now

Perhaps we could find a method to incorporate shortened versions of the award-nominated songs into The Oscars® broadcast, as the caliber of talent involved is truly impressive. I kindly request you reconsider your stance on this matter, as these songs have the power to bring hope and inspiration to the viewers that they so beautifully convey in their original films.

Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely,

Ashley Irwin
President of the Society of Composer & Lyricists

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2025-02-01 01:25