Behind the Scene: How Pasek and Paul’s ‘Greatest Showman’ Anthem ‘This Is Me’ Became a Smash Hit

It’s been a good year for Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the songwriting and composing duo better known as Pasek and Paul.

After landing an Academy Award for their song, “City of Dreams” from “La La Land,” co-written by composer Justin Hurwitz, the duo saw their Broadway smash “Dear Evan Hansen” take home six Tony Awards, including one for their score.

Earlier this year, they landed Grammy noms for both projects, winning the musical theater album award for “Evan Hansen.”Now they find themselves repeat nominees in the original song category at this year’s Oscars for “This Is Me,” from the unapologetically old-fashioned musical “The Greatest Showman.” A rousing ode to anyone who has ever felt marginalized or overlooked, the song is performed in the film by P.T.

Barnum’s “Oddities,” led by the Bearded Lady, played by Keala Settle (in her film debut).

The song has not only become a hit on the

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