The 2023 Academy Awards witnessed an unexpected twist when Mick Jagger presented the award for Best Original Song. The winning song, "El Mal" from Emilia Pérez, was announced amidst a humorous exchange about Bob Dylan's absence. Throughout the evening, various nominees showcased a diverse array of musical styles, highlighting the creativity in contemporary cinema. Diane Warren, despite her impressive track record of nominations, did not secure a win this time. The event also featured lighthearted commentary from host Conan O'Brien regarding Dylan's notable absence.

A Humorous Presentation with a Twist

Mick Jagger took to the stage at the Dolby Theatre to present one of the most anticipated awards of the night. His announcement of "El Mal" as the winner came with a playful jest about Bob Dylan’s reluctance to participate. This moment added an element of surprise and humor to the ceremony. Jagger's remarks drew laughter from the audience, making the presentation memorable.

Jagger mentioned that the producers initially wanted Dylan to present the award but were met with his polite refusal. In response, Jagger quipped that perhaps someone younger should take on the role, leading to his own appearance on stage. This anecdote highlighted the unpredictable nature of such high-profile events. It also revealed that Dylan had indeed been invited to both present and perform at the Oscars, according to exclusive information from The Hollywood Reporter. Host Conan O'Brien earlier echoed similar sentiments during his opening monologue, adding more layers to the ongoing joke about Dylan's absence.

Diverse Nominees and Unfulfilled Expectations

The nominees for Best Original Song represented a wide spectrum of genres and cinematic themes. Among them were two songs from Emilia Pérez, including the winning "El Mal," as well as entries like “Never Too Late” from Elton John's documentary and “Like a Bird” from Sing Sing. Each nominee brought unique elements to the competition, showcasing the rich diversity in modern film music.

Diane Warren, a prolific songwriter nominated for “The Journey” from The Six Triple Eight, faced disappointment when she did not win. Despite holding the record for the most nominations in this category, including an honorary Oscar in 2022, Warren expressed her frustration earlier in the evening. She lamented that the nominees would not be performing their songs live at the ceremony, which could have added another layer of excitement. Nevertheless, the evening celebrated the achievements of all nominees, recognizing their contributions to the world of film and music.