Could El Mal from Emilia Perez Win Best Original Song at the 2025 Academy Awards?

The upcoming Academy Awards are shaping up to be a historic night for musicals, with Emilia Pérez and Wicked both vying for Best Picture. Emilia Pérez, in particular, has garnered significant attention with a leading 13 nominations, including two for Best Original Song. Among them is “El Mal,” a dynamic number performed by Zoe Saldaña and Karla Sofía Gascón, both nominated for their acting performances. But could this energetic track actually take home the Oscar?

A Historic Year for Music in Film

This year’s Oscar race marks a resurgence for musicals, echoing the 1969 ceremony where Oliver! and Funny Girl competed for Best Picture. The recognition of Emilia Pérez and Wicked demonstrates a renewed appreciation for the genre within the Academy. Furthermore, Emilia Pérez‘s composers, Clément Ducol and Camille, have achieved a rare feat, securing nominations for Best Original Score and two songs in the Best Original Song category. This mirrors Justin Hurwitz’s accomplishment with La La Land in 2017, highlighting the musical prowess of Ducol and Camille.

“El Mal”: A Closer Look

“El Mal” stands out not only for its captivating performance but also for its unique integration into the film’s narrative. The song, a Spanish-language track, adds to the growing trend of non-English songs receiving recognition in this category. This marks the fifth consecutive year with such a nominee, following the success of “Naatu Naatu” from RRR last year. The lyrics, co-written by director Jacques Audiard, delve into complex themes, condemning violence and political corruption. This multi-layered approach elevates “El Mal” beyond a typical musical number, transforming it into a powerful commentary within the film’s narrative.

Will the song win an Oscar this year? There are odds of 1.35/1 or 74.10% over at 22bet21.com, meaning there is a good chance it will.

The Competition

“El Mal” faces stiff competition. Diane Warren, a veteran in the category, has earned her 16th nomination for “The Journey” from The Six Triple Eight. This ties her with Paul Francis Webster, placing her among songwriting royalty like Sammy Cahn and Johnny Mercer. Warren’s consistent presence in the category speaks volumes about her songwriting prowess.

Another strong contender is “Mi Camino,” also from Emilia Pérez, performed by Selena Gomez. The fact that Ducol and Camille have two songs nominated in the same category is a testament to their talent and the film’s musical depth. This mirrors the 2017 ceremony, where Justin Hurwitz and the duo of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul each had two nominated songs from La La Land.

Elton John and Bernie Taupin, previous winners for “(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again” from Rocketman, are nominated again for “Never Too Late” from the documentary Elton John: Never Too Late. John’s potential win would solidify his place among Oscar’s most celebrated songwriters.

Finally, “Like a Bird” from Sing Sing, performed by Abraham Alexander and Adrian Quesada, offers a soulful, folk-rock-inspired sound. This nomination marks a continued trend of recognizing Black songwriters in the category.

The “El Mal” Advantage

Despite the formidable competition, “El Mal” possesses several advantages. Its integration into the film is crucial. The song is not merely an interlude but a pivotal part of the storytelling, enhancing the character development and narrative progression. The powerful performance by Saldaña and Gascón further amplifies the song’s impact.

The nominations for Saldaña and Gascón for their acting also indirectly boost “El Mal’s” chances. The Academy’s recognition of their performances underscores the song’s significance within the film. Furthermore, the unique blend of genres and the Spanish lyrics make “El Mal” stand out. In a year celebrating diverse musical styles, “El Mal’s” distinct sound could resonate with voters.

It is looking like “El Mal” has a genuine chance of winning the Oscar. Its integral role in Emilia Pérez, the captivating performance, and the unique musical style position it as a strong contender. While Diane Warren, Elton John, and the other nominees present formidable competition, “El Mal” has the potential to make history as another non-English language winner in this prestigious category.