Oscars: Society Of Composers & Lyricists Asks AMPAS Board To Reinstate Performances Of Best Song Nominees

The Society Of Composers & Lyricists (SCL) whose members include many of the top songwriters and film composers in the industry has asked the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences to reconsider their decision, announced the day before even nominations were announced, of eliminating performances of the five nominated songs at this year’s Oscar ceremony.

As Deadline reported the Academy is making some changes to the show this year, some in direct response to the effect of the devastating L.A. wildfires, and also to find ways to honor the filmmakers in ways that single out their honored achievements. In a letter sent to members on January 22, AMPAS CEO Bill Kramer stated, “Also, this year the Best Original Song category presentation will move away from live performances and will be focused on the songwriters. We will celebrate their artistry through personal reflections from the teams who bring these songs to life. All of this, and more, will uncover the stories and inspiration behind this year’s nominees,” the letter said. “And we will honor Los Angeles as the city of dreams, showcasing its beauty and resilience, as well as its role as a beacon for filmmakers and creative visionaries for over a century. We will reflect on the recent events while highlighting the strength, creativity, and optimism that defines Los Angeles and our industry. There is so much more in store, including powerful musical moments that connect film’s rich history to its bold and inspiring future.”

In a letter to the AMPAS board and producers of the 97th Academy Awards, SCL President Ashley Irwin said, “Our members, who number over 4,000 in more than 80 countries worldwide, including the majority of the Motion Picture Academy Music Branch, are disappointed over the decision to eliminate the

Oscar-nominated song performances at the 97th Academy Awards. Songwriters and composers face many challenges in the current climate, including everything from diminished royalty payments by streaming services to the theft of their intellectual property to enrich “big tech” in the guise of training for AI. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and an award like the Oscar, has always served to amplify and honor the work of talented craftspeople, but this decision to exclude the song performances presents as just another example of the devaluation of music, and its creators.”

Although not every Oscar ceremony has included the Song performances, most have. AMPAS has said it is usually up to the producers of any given ceremony to make that decision. This year’s crop includes 16 time nominee Diane Warren, Oscar winner H.E.R., Elton John, and two high profile songs from Emilia Perez performed respectively by Selena Gomez and Zoe Saldana. This decision was made before AMPAS producers knew which of the 14 finalists would end up with the five nominations.

Below is the letter sent today by SCL President Ashley Irwin to the Academy. Deadline has asked Academy for any comment and will update if it receives one.

January 31, 2025

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

I am the president of The Society of Composers & Lyricists (SCL), the premier

organization for professional songwriters and composers working in film and

other visual media. All the Oscar-nominated songwriters this year, as in most

years, are members of the SCL. Our members, who number over 4,000 in more

than 80 countries worldwide, including the majority of the Motion Picture

Academy Music Branch, are disappointed over the decision to eliminate the

Oscar-nominated song performances at the 97th Academy Awards. Songwriters

and composers face many challenges in the current climate, including everything

from diminished royalty payments by streaming services to the theft of their

intellectual property to enrich “big tech” in the guise of training for AI. The

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and an award like the Oscar, has

always served to amplify and honor the work of talented craftspeople, but this

decision to exclude the song performances presents as just another example of the

devaluation of music, and its creators. What should be an opportunity to elevate

our craft, by an Academy tasked to represent the importance of music to a motion

picture’s storytelling, will be lost. A performance shares the creation of a

songwriter’s original work. To eliminate the nominee performances is to silence

songwriters.

We understand there are reasons behind this decision, but it is my understanding

that there was no discussion with the Music Branch. The songs and performances

this year would represent a diverse range of artists, including past Oscar winners

H.E.R. and Elton John along with Brandi Carlile, Clément Ducol & Camille,

Adrian Quesada & Abraham Alexander, as well as 16-time Oscar-nominee Diane

Warren. The promotion of these song performances will undoubtedly draw a

larger viewing audience. But most importantly, in a time when Los Angeles, the

home of filmmaking, has lost entire communities and with so many people

affected, music has the power to inspire and heal – a message reflected in the

Oscar-nominated songs…

Fly Like a Bird from SING SING

I pray

These broken bones will heal

Only if walls could talk

To tell you the pain I feel

That day

I’ll paint a thousand skies

Weight of the world aside

Just leave it all behind

Mi Camino [English lyrics] from EMILIA PÉREZ

I want to love myself

Love, yes, my life

Love, yes, what I feel

I want to love myself

Love myself fully

Love myself just as I am

With the quality of the talent assembled to produce The Oscars®, there must be a way to

accommodate even abbreviated renditions of the nominated songs during the show. I respectfully

urge you to reconsider your decision and let the songs provide the hope and inspiration to the

audience that they do in their respective films.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Ashley Irwin

President of the Society of Composer & Lyricists.