Diane Warren Talks About the Oscar It Hurt the Most to Lose and the New ‘Relentless’ Doc About Her
12.03.2024 - 15:37
/ variety.com
Addie Morfoot Contributor In January, prolific songwriter Diane Warren received her 15th Academy Award nomination in the best song category for “The Fire Inside,” for the film “Flamin’ Hot,” directed by Eva Longoria. On March 10, Warren held onto her Oscar record in the category for more nominations without a single win when she lost to Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell for their “Barbie” song “What Was I Made For?” But Warren doesn’t have much time to wallow in self pity.
The songwriter, whose catalogue includes “Only Love Can Hurt Like This,” “Un-Break My Heart,” and “If I Could Turn Back Time,” is due in Austin on March 12 for the SXSW premiere of Bess Kargman’s documentary “Diane Warren: Relentless.” It’s a doc that multiple nonfiction helmers have attempted to make, which isn’t surprising since Warren has penned nine No. 1 and 33 top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and is tied for having written the most chart-topping songs as a sole writer in Billboard history.
But the composer is also extremely private, especially when it comes to her creative process, which, until now, derailed any previous documentaries about songwriter. Kargan’s 91-minute doc was filmed over nearly three years.
The director managed to not only capture Warren’s tenacity and individual success, but also her quiet insecurities and unconventional life choices. The docu, produced by XTR, includes famous collaborators Cher, Gloria Estefan, David Foster, Jennifer Hudson and Kesha who help describe Warren’s distinctive songwriting style and approach.
Variety spoke with Kargman and Warren ahead of the SXSW world premiere of “Diane Warren: Relentless” on March 12. Diane, have you always wanted to be the subject of a documentary? Warren: I always
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