Pasek and Paul wrote the lyrics for the film musical '' La La Land '' . The film was written and directed by Damien Chazelle , and stars Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling . The film was the opening film at the 73rd Venice International Film Festival , on August 31 , 2016 . The duo won the 2017 Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song for " City of Stars . " The pair received two Best Original Song nominations at the 89th Academy Awards , for " Audition ( The Fools Who Dream ) " and " City of Stars , " alongside composer Justin Hurwitz . " City of Stars " won the award
89th Academy Awards
89th Academy Awards
Justin Paul