‘Moana’: Lin-Manuel Miranda on Writing the Song ‘Along The Way’ in a Week and Being in the Oscar Race With Taylor Swift
A little over 10 years ago, Lin-Manuel Miranda was still performing on Broadway in “Hamilton” while writing the music for Disney’s “Moana.” Since then, Moana has grossed more than $643 million at the
A little over 10 years ago, Lin-Manuel Miranda was still performing on Broadway in “Hamilton” while writing the music for Disney’s “Moana.” Since then
Read Full Story at Variety →Why This Matters
The intersection of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s songwriting for *Moana* and his current Oscar race alongside Taylor Swift underscores a pivotal shift in how animated musicals compete for industry recognition. It highlights the enduring cultural resonance of Disney’s animated films and their ability to produce work that resonates beyond cinematic release, shaping broader conversations about artistic legacy in Hollywood.
Background Context
A decade ago, when *Moana* premiered, Disney’s Renaissance-era animation was under renewed pressure to prove its relevance amid the rise of CGI-dominated blockbusters. Miranda’s contributions—crafted during breaks from *Hamilton*—represented a rare fusion of Broadway’s lyricism with animation’s visual storytelling, a combination that has since become a benchmark for hybrid creative collaborations.
What Happens Next
If *Moana* secures an Oscar nomination for "Along the Way," it could reignite discussions about the viability of animated musicals in awards conversations, especially after recent years where the category has leaned toward more traditional fare. Meanwhile, Miranda’s dual presence in this race and Swift’s dominance in pop culture may further blur the lines between genre-specific awards and mainstream recognition.
Bigger Picture
This moment reflects a broader trend where musical composition in animation is gaining institutional validation, mirroring the genre’s resurgence in streaming and live performances. It also signals how cross-industry collaborations—between theater, pop music, and film—are increasingly defining the cultural zeitgeist, setting a precedent for future creative partnerships.
