Diane Warren sits in a Hollywood studio wearing a High Fucking Standard long sleeve T-shirt.
When asked what her title means to her, she says, “I have fucking high standards. I really do.”
And she does. Especially when it comes to her songwriting, singer selection, “I’m like a casting director,” and her publishing rights.
Warren founded and manages Realsongs and holds the publishing rights and many masters. But there are two directors I’d consider if she called me and asked me to write a song for a movie. It’s “Paul Thomas Anderson and Christopher Nolan.”
The songwriter just earned her 17th Oscar nomination for her song “Dear Me,” which was featured in the 2024 documentary Diane Warren: Relentless.
It’s an apt title because she’s relentless. Every awards season, Warren’s “campaign.” She’s been attending parties, screenings, and receptions, and it’s paying off. She also hosts her famous New Year’s Eve party where she invites 400 of her friends. Earlier this year, the Los Angeles Police Department shut down its police station and issued her a citation for public nuisance, but “I’ve since put it on… and took selfies with the cops.”
Variety caught up with Warren to talk about “Dear Me,” her Oscar-winning efforts, and her state of mind during the ceremony.
Every year there is an Oscar-nominated all-night party. When did this tradition begin?
I think I did “Til It Happens to You” with Gaga 10 years ago. It’s nothing special, we just did it. Now it’s just fun. eat pizza I don’t drink much, but I was nervous so I had a few glasses of red wine. Hours pass as people come, the sane ones go home, and some come back. It’s a gathering of my core friends and we’re literally counting down the seconds waiting. Then you have to wait for a commercial. I always say, “No matter what happens, I’ve already won.” To be among the five songs is a huge victory. Those nominated have already won.
Who will be invited to your Oscar viewing party?
It’s a gathering of my friends. Mostly old friends, people I’ve known since kindergarten, and some new friends. The great thing is that so many people are rooting for me. I’m like a team that has been losing for decades. It would be fun if we really won. That would be the icing on the vegan cake.
Now, let’s talk about “Dear Me.” This comes from a documentary about your life. Does hearing your name make you feel special?
Whenever I write a song for a movie, I try to give it my all and write the best song I can. This is special. First of all, it was difficult for me to sit down and let them film me. Obviously, I was going to write a song for this movie, but when I write a song, I’m just trying to tie everything together emotionally or basically write a song that I want to hear. For this, I go back to my mom and dad’s house, sit on the toilet, and work on songs there. I was writing a song for a teenage girl in her room, feeling alone and bullied. I didn’t feel understood or seen. I think I was a little bit on the spectrum or something. But children tend to be really cruel. When I was 11 years old, I picked up a guitar and started writing songs. So this was a really personal song for that young girl. What’s oddly beautiful is that this song resonates with all ages and people. These kids would come to my studio to sing and cry and say, “No, this song makes me feel less lonely.”
You said you didn’t feel seen. You are Diane Warren. When did you finally feel seen?
Strangely enough, I still feel like that child in many ways. In my mind I think I’m a million miles away from there, but I’m still there. I work really hard and write all the time. And I’m never satisfied. I always feel like I haven’t achieved it yet. “When was the last time I felt seen?” Well, when my songs are heard, I feel seen.
Why was Ke$ha the right person to sing this song, considering it’s a letter to her younger self?
All I wanted was Kesha. I always say I’m a casting director. The song and the artist, it’s a different character, it’s part of that movie. I have known Kesha for years and know that she has had a difficult life. I always knew from the time I was writing the song that it had to be Ke$ha. She absolutely sings great on this song and it’s real. I felt like this song would resonate with her, and it did.
Going back to campaigning, I see you at every party. We met at the Middleburg Film Festival in October. When does the campaign start?
I’m very lonely, sitting alone in my room and writing. My favorite part of award season is getting out and meeting people I’ve never met before. Something like Middleburg is when the season starts. and i love it. It’s so much fun. I love going to screenings and meeting people.
How many parties do you go to in a night?
One night I went to 4 events. I’m out there representing my job. Whatever we can do to make that happen, we’ll do it in the most fun way possible.
Are you doing this from October through nominations to final candidates?
It’s not something that other people don’t do, right? Everyone is going to the festival. Some people have more fun, some less. I like doing that.
What does finalist day look like for you? Because we won’t know until about 11 a.m. in the morning.
I’m nervous about that too. There are always surprises at what can go wrong or what can go right. So I’m like, “Okay, I have to get to 15.” I have lucky clothes that I wear for all of these things.
RealSongs Publishing was born. Is there a director you would like to write a screenplay for if you were approached?
I’d love to write a song for Paul Thomas Anderson or Chris Nolan. I love writing songs for movies. It’s open. So please call me.
This industry can be tough, and people say, “Oh, I don’t know about that documentary,” or “Haven’t you heard that song?”
I had no idea how many people saw this documentary. The reason this work was nominated for a Grammy was not because I worked on it. I didn’t do anything, I didn’t even post about the Grammy documentary. I think it was listed on the site early because it was listed on the site when there were only 10 movies on the portal. I hope that helped. And during the holidays, people started calling me and saying how much they loved this documentary. I think artists can relate to this, but I’m surprised it’s getting so much attention.
Take me to the Oscar ceremony. How do you feel when it falls into the category of original songs?
I get really nervous no matter what I do. There was only one time I thought I could win, and that was with my song “Til It Happens to You.” I just go in there not expecting to win, but you never know. Wouldn’t it be weird if it was this song? That would be the craziest and most unlikely thing. Isn’t that crazy in a cool way?
Are you planning to write a speech?
Even in the most unlikely of circumstances, I write something down. You probably won’t be conscious, but if that actually happens, you’ll probably pass out halfway through. It will be a very beautiful full circle. This small train can compete with these giant companies. Yes, I will write a speech. And who knows?
This interview has been edited and condensed.
