Awards season runs on tradition. And songwriter Diane Warren continued her own at this year’s Oscars, losing her 16th Best Original Song nomination to Emilia Pérez’s “El Mal.” “I’m consistent as fuck,” Warren joked to Variety after the ceremony. This time, she was up for “The Journey,” from Tyler Perry’s Netflix war drama, The Six Triple Eight. But now, the 68-year-old (who did earn an honorary Oscar in 2022) is already looking ahead. “I’m the Terminator of the Oscars — I’ll be back,” she vowed. “That’s in my Arnold Schwarzenegger voice. I’m coming back. You can’t get rid of me.” In fact, she’s planning to hit the studio today! “This isn’t going to slow me down,” she continued.
A 17th nod would cement Warren’s place in history as the most nominated person in Oscars history without a win, breaking her out of a complicated tie with sound mixer Greg P. Russell. (Russell’s own 17th nomination was rescinded on claims that he violated the Academy’s campaigning rules, which 17 nominations without a win might drive a person to do.) Still, it may not ensure a win next year — especially if she’s up against some original Wicked songs.