Early 2025 saw legendary composer Stephen Schwartz mentoring rising songwriter Mark Sonnenblick through the ASCAP Foundation Musical Theatre Workshop, sharing insights from his work on Wicked, Pippin and Godspell. By year’s end, the teacher‑student bond had evolved into a friendly awards showdown, with both landing Golden Globe nominations and Oscars shortlist spots for Best Original Song.​

Schwartz penned two new tracks for Wicked: For Good — Cynthia Erivo’s soaring “No Place Like Home” and Ariana Grande’s poignant “The Girl in the Bubble” — earning dual Golden Globe nods in a rare feat. These songs capture the emotional depth of Oz’s expanded lore, blending Schwartz’s signature Broadway sweep with cinematic grandeur.​

Meanwhile, Sonnenblick co‑wrote the year’s pop juggernaut “Golden” from Netflix’s animated hit KPop Demon Hunters, a track that topped the Billboard Hot 100 for weeks and crossed over to massive radio play. The song’s infectious hooks and musical theater storytelling sensibility — honed under Schwartz’s guidance — propelled it to awards contention, including a Golden Globe nod and Oscars shortlist.​

Schwartz praised his protégé’s unique voice, calling Sonnenblick’s contribution to “Golden” a perfect fusion of narrative craft and pop accessibility. The pair now face off at the Golden Globes on January 11, 2026, and potentially the Oscars on March 15, turning mentorship into a testament to shared success in a competitive field.