French composer duo Clément Ducol and Camille took home the Oscar for Best Original Song at the prestigious awards ceremony on Sunday for their powerful track, “El Mal.” This win comes on the heels of their Golden Globe victory in the same category earlier in the year.
The winning song, featured in the musical “Emilia Pérez,” has sparked conversations and debates for its portrayal of Mexican culture and its underlying message. Despite the controversies, the composers remain grateful for the recognition their work has received.
In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Camille expressed their gratitude, stating, “We wrote ‘El Mal’ as a song to denounce corruption, and we hope it speaks to the role music and art can play as a force of good and progress in the world.” The award was presented by the legendary Mick Jagger, who humorously shared that he was not the first choice for the task.
Ducol and Camille triumphed over esteemed competitors such as Diane Warren, Elton John, Bernie Taupin, Brandi Carlile, and Andrew Watt, as well as Abraham Alexander, Brandon Marcel, and Black Pumas’ Adrian Quesada. Their composition “Mi Camino” from the same musical was also nominated, reflecting the duo’s undeniable talent and versatility.
As first-time Oscar nominees, the duo shared their emotional journey from anxiety to relief upon hearing the nominations. Camille emphasized the importance of the film’s recognition, highlighting its provocative, compassionate, and empathetic nature, which resonates deeply with audiences.
Ducol added, “We were involved at the beginning of the construction of the story in music … So everything is linked together, is woven together between the script, the screenplay, the songs. And so, we feel like it’s our story, our movie … It’s not just a musical or reflecting a story or reflecting action in the movie. The music and the songs, in this movie, is the script. It is the story.”
This momentous win marks a significant milestone in the careers of Clément Ducol and Camille, solidifying their position as formidable talents in the music industry. Their dedication to their craft and their ability to evoke powerful emotions through their music have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the world of cinema and music.
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