Elton John and Brandi Carlile’s “Never Too Late” Among Contenders in 2025 Oscars Shortlists

Brandi Carlile at the Stella McCartney X Adidas Party at the Henson Recording Studio on February 2, 2023 in Los Angeles, CA
Brandi Carlile at the Stella McCartney X Adidas Party at the Henson Recording Studio on February 2, 2023 in Los Angeles, CA. Image by Jean_Nelson/Depositphotos

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled the shortlists for the 97th Academy Awards, highlighting potential nominees across various categories, including Best Original Song and Best Original Score. Among the notable entries is “Never Too Late,” a collaboration between music legends Elton John and Brandi Carlile, featured in the documentary film Elton John: Never Too Late.

According to the New York Times, the Best Original Song category is particularly competitive this year, showcasing a blend of industry veterans and emerging talents. “Never Too Late,” co-written by Elton John, Brandi Carlile, Andrew Watt, and Bernie Taupin, stands out as a significant contender. This collaboration marks a fusion of John’s iconic musical style with Carlile’s distinctive vocal prowess, creating a piece that resonates with both critics and audiences.

Other notable songs on the shortlist include:

  • “Piece by Piece” by Pharrell Williams, from the Netflix film Piece by Piece.
  • “Out of Oklahoma” by Lainey Wilson, featured in Twisters.
  • “Kiss the Sky” by Maren Morris, from The Wild Robot.
  • “Forbidden Road” by Robbie Williams, included in Better Man.
  • “Compress/Repress” by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, from Challengers.

Additionally, Diane Warren, a frequent Oscar nominee, is shortlisted for “The Journey” from The Six Triple Eight, potentially marking her 16th nomination in this category.

The Best Original Score category features a diverse array of compositions from acclaimed musicians. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross are recognized for their work on Challengers, while Bryce Dessner of The National is shortlisted for Sing Sing. Hans Zimmer’s score for Blitz also garners attention, adding to his extensive list of accolades, while Wicked also made the shortlist.

Several films have emerged as strong contenders across multiple categories. Emilia Pérez leads with two songs, “El Mal” and “Mi Camino,” both co-written by Clément Ducol and Camille. The film’s director, Jacques Audiard, co-wrote “El Mal,” further elevating its prominence in the shortlist. The musical adaptation of Wicked also advances in several categories, reflecting its anticipated impact on both audiences and critics.

The official nominations for the 97th Academy Awards are scheduled to be announced on January 17, 2025, with the ceremony set to take place on March 2, 2025, hosted by Conan O’Brien. As the date approaches, anticipation builds around which artists and films will secure nominations, particularly in the highly competitive music categories.

As the awards season progresses, industry observers and fans alike will be keenly watching to see if “Never Too Late” and other shortlisted songs and scores receive nominations, potentially leading to Oscar victories that celebrate the year’s outstanding musical contributions to film.