28
At 65, she now has 12 Oscar nominations under her belt.
If youve watchedArmageddon,Con Air, orPearl Harbor, youve experiencedDiane Warrens songwriting prowess.
I wanted my songs to be heard.
I wanted to have hit records, Warren tells Bustle.
I wanted everybody to hear my songs all over the world.
Now 65, Warren is still hoping for that elusive Oscar.
She also released her first full studio album Diane Warren: The Cave Sessions Vol.
Im the most-nominated woman in any category in Oscar history to not have won, Warren says.
Im kind of proud of that.
I wish theyd give an award for that.
Take me back to 1984.
How were you feeling about your life and career when you were 28?
You know, I was probably a little frustrated because I didnt have my first really big hit yet.
That would come the next year.
I was 29 withRhythm of the Night[by DeBarge].
I was working and working hard.
I recall that and kind of waiting for my first break really, you know?
Could you feel that it was coming?
Like you were almost there?
I always felt that.
Its, you know, that overnight success that takes forever.
But I knew it was going to happen.
I had no doubt.
I never doubted that Id be successful, but I never imagined this level.
I knew Id make it.
How did it feel to finally have that happen?
That was the coolest, Ill tell you.
Whats interesting about the Oscar nominations is … Ive had 12.
Of course, its exciting.
Every time Ive been nominated, Ive been jumping up and down and happy and beyond thrilled.
So if they nominate me, Ill jump up and down, absolutely.
Its always very exciting.
I mean, I stay up all night waiting for the nominations.
I love when some people go, Oh, I dont care.
My manager called me.
I do appreciate that youre honest about it.
Do you ever get tired of talking about Oscar nominations?
Im happy, and its a new song every year.
Like this year, Im talking about another new one.
You know what, Im happy to be in the game.
My first nomination was 33 years ago.
How crazy is that?
Thats respect among your peers, and my peers are pretty badass.
If you could go back in time and talk to your 28-year-old self, what advice would you have?
Just keep doing it.
But I didnt even have to give myself that advice, because my 28-year-old self knew that already.
Was there something you did at that age that you regret?
I think Ive been pretty smart with the choices Ive made and the decisions Ive made.
I wouldnt really want to change anything.
I love that things happen the way theyre supposed to happen.
Thats what I really believe.
I am personally a big award nerd.
The Grammys
I never win that.
Ive been nominated a couple of times!
Its funny, people think Ive won a lot of Grammys.
I only won one Grammy like 25 years ago for Because You Loved Me.
Is there one of your 12 Oscar-nominated songs that has a special place in your heart?
Because You Loved Me.
That song goes beyond that movie, because it could be about whatever youre going through.
People make a run at say, Its going to be OK; everythings fine.
But when youre in the middle of going through something traumatic, you dont know it.
They dont know what youre going through.
Im proud of that.
Im proud of a lot of these songs for different reasons.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
This article was originally published onDec.
