by Abb Jones
The Reelness

Earlier this month The Academy announced the 15 songs that made the shortlist for consideration for the five Oscar nominations for Best Original Song at the 2026 Oscars.

Here they are our predictions on which ones will likely get one of the five coveted nominations.

ALMOST CERTAIN

Only four songs from the list appear to be locks for getting nominations.

“Golden” from KPop Demon Hunters

With nearly one billion (yes, billion with a B) views, Kpop fans around the world will revolt if this mega-hit pop song from the animated KPop Demon Hunters doesn’t get a nod… and the win.

“The Girl In The Bubble” from Wicked: For Good

Ariana Grande’s original song from Wicked: For Good should be a lock as well, and could even win if The Academy’s song category voters (a notoriously stodgy bunch) opt for a show tune over Kpop.

“I Lied To You” from Sinners

This haunting blues song is THE heart of the period horror/thriller. ‘Nuff said.

“No Place Like Home” from Wicked: For Good

Cynthia Erivo’s rousing original song from Wicked: For Good should also easily make the cut.

POSSIBLES

Here’s where things get a little more interesting. Logic would dictate that the planet’s most prolific songwriter and 16-time nominee Diane Warren would snag the fifth spot, just because she has been nominated (and not won) for ten of the last 11 years in a row. But in 2022, Warren did receive an honorary lifetime Oscar. Could she get skipped this year? Likely not.

“Dear Me” from Diane Warren: Relentless

Kesha’s rendition of the Diane Warren song, from the documentary about Warren, should tug at enough heartstrings to at least get a nod. Warren has come a long way since penning deBarge’s 1985 hit “Rhythm of the Night.” Fun fact: Warren became the first songwriter in the history of Billboard magazine to have written seven hit songs, each recorded by a different artist, on the charts at the same time. Wow.

“Dream As One” from Avatar: Fire and Ash

Miley Cyrus wasn’t just busy putting out a new album and an exceptional, accompanying feature length music video this year. She also took time to sing this little ditty from the latest Avatar film.

“Train Dreams” from Train Dreams

This haunting song from Nick Cave and composer Bryce Dessner, from the equally haunting period drama starring Joel Edgerton, would be a worthy nominee.

“Drive” from F1: The Movie

I mean come on, it’s Ed Sheeran!

“Dying To Live” from Billy Idol Should Be Dead

How cool would it be to have rocker Billy Idol sing his song from the documentary about his life at the Oscars?

AND THE REST…

“As Alive As You Need Me To Be” from Tron: Ares

“Highest 2 Lowest” from Highest 2 Lowest

“Last Time (I Seen The Sun)” from Sinners

“Our Love” from The Ballad of Wallis Island

“Salt Then Sour Then Sweet” from Come See Me in the Good Light

“Sweet Dreams Of Joy” from Viva Verdi!