"City of Stars" is a song performed by Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in the film La La Land (2016). The music of the song was composed by Justin Hurwitz while the lyrics were provided by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. The song won numerous awards, including the award for Best Original Song at both the 74th Golden Globe Awards and 89th Academy Awards.
Context
In the film, the song is first sung by Gosling alone as the character of Sebastian as he sings and dances on the Hermosa Beach Pier. Later in the film, it is reprised by Sebastian and Mia (Stone) during a montage of him getting ready to tour with Keith's (John Legend) band, as well as Mia quitting her job at a coffee shop and renting out a theater for her one-woman play.
Inspiration
Justin Hurwitz, the composer of the song, discussed the writing of the song:
Music video
The music video was uploaded to YouTube channel on Apr 17, 2017, and has gained more than 30 million views as of October 2023.
Accolades
Charts
Weekly charts
Year-end charts
Certifications
See also
"Another Day of Sun" "Audition (The Fools Who Dream)"
References
2016 songs
Best Original Song Academy Award-winning songs
Best Original Song Golden Globe winning songs
Songs about Los Angeles
Songs written by Justin Paul (songwriter) Songs written by Benj Pasek Songs with music by Justin Hurwitz Songs from La La Land