Randy Newman (USA, b. 28 November 1943) won the Oscar for Best Music (Song) with “If I Didn’t Have You” from the film Monsters, Inc. (USA 2001) on his 16th nomination at the 74th Academy Awards held on 24 March 2002. He received his first nominations in 1982 for Ragtime (USA 1981) for both Best Song and Best Original Score.

This beats the record previously held by Geraldine Page (1924 – 1987) who finally won her Oscar at the eighth attempt with Best Actress for The Trip to Bountiful (US 1985) at the age of 61 in 1986.