A Historic Victory at the Oscars: Clément Ducol and Camille Win for "El Mal"
The 97th Academy Awards, held on Sunday, March 24, 2024, was a night of triumph for French composer duo Clément Ducol and Camille. The pair took home the prestigious Oscar for Best Original Song for their powerful track, “El Mal,” featured in the controversial and thought-provoking musical Emilia Pérez. This win marked the culmination of a remarkable journey for the composers, who also claimed a Golden Globe in the same category earlier this year.
Ducol and Camille’s "El Mal" was crafted as a passionate denunciation of corruption, a theme that resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. During her acceptance speech, Camille expressed her gratitude and underscored the broader purpose of their work. “We wrote ‘El Mal’ as a song to denounce corruption,” she said, “and we hope it speaks to the role music and art can play and continue to play as a force of good and progress in the world.” The award was presented by rock legend Mick Jagger, who humorously noted that he wasn’t the first choice for the task—producers had initially hoped to secure Bob Dylan for the honor.
A Musical Masterpiece and Its Controversial Context
"El Mal" is part of the soundtrack for Emilia Pérez, a musical that has sparked intense debate and discussion. Described as a transgender parable, the film has been both celebrated for its bold storytelling and criticized for its portrayal of Mexican culture. While some have accused the musical of cultural insensitivity, others have praised its unflinching exploration of identity, love, and resilience. For Ducol and Camille, the film’s recognition at the Oscars is more than just a professional triumph—it represents a cultural shift toward embracing provocative and empathetic storytelling.
When asked about the significance of the film’s success, Camille emphasized its importance in today’s societal climate. “It’s a very free, provocative, and empathic, compassionate movie,” she said. “And I really think this is what we need now.” Her words capture the essence of a film that defies categorization, blending music, drama, and social commentary in a way that challenges and inspires viewers.
A Highly Competitive Race
The competition for Best Original Song at the Oscars was fierce this year, with several standout compositions vying for the top prize. Ducol and Camille faced off against Diane Warren for “The Journey” from The Six Triple Eight, Elton John, Bernie Taupin, Brandi Carlile, and Andrew Watt for “Never Too Late” from Elton John: Never Too Late, and Abraham Alexander, Brandon Marcel, and Black Pumas’ Adrian Quesada for “Like A Bird” from Sing Sing.
In a surprising twist, Ducol and Camille were also competing against themselves, as another of their compositions, “Mi Camino” from Emilia Pérez, was also nominated in the same category. This double nomination highlighted the duo’s exceptional contributions to the film’s soundtrack and underscored their creative partnership.
A Night of Milestones and Emotions
For Ducol and Camille, the Oscars marked a milestone in their careers. The pair are first-time Oscar nominees, and their work on Emilia Pérez earned them a total of three nominations, including Best Original Score. Speaking to the Associated Press in January, when the nominations were announced, Camille described the mix of emotions that came with the recognition. “You go from anxiety to relief, and you’re filled up with energy,” she said. “We’ve worked so much, and we’ve worked so much for the campaign… I feel very fulfilled and very happy for all the team.”
Ducol echoed her sentiment, calling the three nominations “totally incredible.” He also highlighted the unique nature of their involvement in the film, noting that they were part of the story’s construction from the very beginning. “We were involved at the beginning of the construction of the story in music,” he explained. “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.”
The Bigger Picture: Art as a Force for Change
The success of Emilia Pérez and its soundtrack is more than just a personal victory for Ducol and Camille—it represents a broader cultural movement. In a world grappling with division and inequality, their music and the film’s message of resilience and hope offer a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of art. As Camille noted, “El Mal” was born out of a desire to challenge corruption and inspire change, and its resonance with audiences has proven that music can indeed be a force for good.
In a year marked by incredible talent and groundbreaking films, the 97th Academy Awards celebrated not only artistic achievement but also the enduring power of storytelling to inspire, provoke, and unite. For Ducol, Camille, and the entire Emilia Pérez team, this win is a testament to their creativity, passion, and commitment to making art that matters.
For more coverage of the 97th Academy Awards, including exclusive interviews, highlights, and analysis, visit AP News.
