At the prestigious 97th annual Academy Awards held on Sunday, March 2, 2025, the Oscar for Best Original Song was awarded to “El Mal” from Emilia Pérez. The songwriters Clément Ducol and Camille took the stage at the Dolby Theatre to accept the coveted gold statuette amidst thunderous applause. The duo began their acceptance speech by emphasizing the significance of their song, expressing gratitude to The Academy members and acknowledging their fellow nominees. They highlighted that “El Mal” was written as a powerful denouncement of corruption, showcasing the vital role music and art play in promoting positive change in the world.
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The songwriters, Ducol and Camille, also extended their appreciation to the talented cast and interpreters, Zoe Saldaña and Karla Sofía Gascón, for bringing their song to life on screen. Their heartfelt gratitude extended to everyone involved in the production of the music and to Netflix for their support. As they continued to express their thanks, the emotional moment culminated in an impromptu performance by the duo, which unfortunately led to them being played off the stage in a whirlwind of emotions and music.
In the movie “Emilia Pérez”, directed by French filmmaker Jacques Audiard, composer Clément Ducol and singer-songwriter Camille collaborated to craft the captivating original songs featured in the film. Despite both composers being French, the tunes in the movie are predominantly sung in Spanish, adding a unique and multicultural dimension to the musical thriller set in Mexico. The film’s soundtrack includes the award-winning “El Mal” and the poignant “Mi Camino”, sung by stars Selena Gomez and Édgar Ramírez.
This year’s Oscars ceremony took a departure from the usual format by excluding full production numbers of each best original song nominee, opting instead for personal reflections from the teams behind the songs. Notable performances during the show included Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande captivating the audience with their live rendition. Competing in the Best Original Song category alongside “El Mal” were songs like Elton John’s “Never Too Late”, Sing Sing’s “Like a Bird”, and Diane Warren’s “The Journey” from The Six Triple Eight.
Veteran songwriter Diane Warren, a 16-time nominee at the Oscars, yet to secure a competitive win, presented the powerful song “The Journey” from Tyler Perry’s The Six Triple Eight. The song weaves into the credits of the movie, which features Kerry Washington portraying the real-life major of WWII’s all-Black, all-female battalion. These compelling musical compositions brought a diverse array of themes and emotions to the Oscars stage, showcasing the power of music to evoke deep connections and resonate with audiences globally.
The Oscars 2025 ceremony was a night filled with memorable performances, heartfelt speeches, and well-deserved accolades for talented artists in the entertainment industry. The celebration of original music and the creative minds behind these songs added an extra layer of artistry and storytelling to the prestigious event. As the curtain closed on another remarkable Oscars night, it was evident that the impact of these songs would continue to resonate with audiences, stirring emotions and fostering a love for music that transcends borders and languages. The spirit of creativity and innovation shone brightly at the Oscars, reminding us all of the enduring power of music and art in shaping our world.