Legendary songwriter Diane Warren gets the documentary treatment in Diane Warren: Relentless, which gives viewers a look at the singular talent and personality of the 15-time Oscar nominee.
The doc is directed by Bess Kargman and features interviews with some of Warren’s many famous collaborators — including Cher, Gloria Estefan, Common, Randy Jackson, Jennifer Hudson, Kesha, and more. It goes inside Warren’s unique process, including visiting her infamous office, a cluttered, chaotic room where she does all of her work. “In this intimate documentary, filled with Diane’s signature humor, audiences get a rarely seen glimpse into Diane’s life and underdog journey to where she is today,” according to the official synopsis. “Marked by a distinctive songwriting approach, exceptional work ethic and irreverence, the narrative delves into her most remarkable collaborations.”
Warren is one of the most successful songwriters of all time. She has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and is a Grammy, Emmy, and Golden Globe winner. She’s a three-time Billboard Songwriter of the Year winner and has written nine songs that topped the Billboard Hot 100, including Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” Toni Braxton’s “Un-Break My Heart,” and Milli Vanilli’s “Blame It on the Rain.”
She is also known for her 15 Academy Award nominations without a win (although she received an honorary Oscar in 2022). Warren is in contention again this year, however: Her song “The Journey,” from the film The Six Triple Eight and performed by H.E.R., is on the Best Original Song shortlist. If she is nominated, it will be her eighth straight nomination and 16th overall. “When I was a kid, I never had a sweet 16,” Warren told Gold Derby. “So, yeah, I love this [Oscar buzz]. I’m still excited, of course. I’m so proud of this song. I think this is maybe the best song I ever did for a movie.”
Diane Warren: Relentless opens in theaters on Jan. 10 and starts streaming on MasterClass on Jan. 16.
