Singer-songwriter Miley Cyrus is showing that in Hollywood, talent alone isn’t always enough — sometimes you have to hustle. The 33-year-old artist recently revealed to People how she leveraged her networking skills and entrepreneurial spirit to write the credits song “Dream As One” for the blockbuster film Avatar: Fire and Ash, now playing in theaters.

Pitching Her Music at the Oscars and Beyond

Cyrus explained that her approach to landing music placements in major films is direct and proactive. At the 2025 Oscars, she introduced herself to filmmakers and said, “If you need any music, I’m around.” She uses these high-profile events to offer her songwriting services, not just to directors, but to showrunners and producers as well.

Her strategy isn’t new. She used a similar approach to write the Golden Globe-nominated “Beautiful That Way” for Gia Coppola’s The Last Showgirl, which starred Jamie Lee Curtis and Pamela Anderson. “I did the same thing to Jamie Lee Curtis,” Cyrus laughed. “That’s how I ended up doing Last Showgirl and now being a part of Avatar.”

How “Dream As One” Came Together

The song came about after Cyrus met director James Cameron at the 2024 D23 Expo, where both she and Cameron were honored as Disney Legends. Knowing Cameron had been working on the Avatar franchise for years, Cyrus casually offered, “‘Just lemme know if you ever need any music.’” Her timing was perfect.

“It just kind of organically happened,” Cyrus said. Cameron even jokingly calls her and fellow honorees “Legends in law.” The resulting collaboration led to “Dream As One” becoming the credits song for Avatar: Fire and Ash, part three in the five-film series.

Miley’s Approach to Film Music

For Cyrus, writing songs for films is about creating a lasting emotional connection. “I really feel myself attached to songs,” she explained. “There are certain songs, even if they were just used in a film, like ‘I Will Always Love You,’ you immediately think of the movie itself, and they become embedded.”

She describes it as a chance to participate in the core emotional moments of a film, leaving an indelible mark on audiences beyond the credits.

Expanding Her Hollywood Presence

Cyrus has also appeared as an actress, with a cameo in 2024’s Drive-Away Dolls and a self-portrayal in 2022’s Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas. Her involvement in both acting and songwriting reflects her multifaceted approach to the entertainment industry, blending performance with musical storytelling.

Her proactive style extends to streaming and TV projects as well. “I don’t know what I would write for Baby Reindeer season two, but I threw that out there!” Cyrus revealed, showing her willingness to explore all opportunities.

Avatar: Fire and Ash in Theaters

Avatar: Fire and Ash was released on December 19, 2025, with Cyrus’ “Dream As One” serving as the emotionally resonant credits track. By pitching her skills directly to filmmakers and leveraging her industry connections, Cyrus has carved a unique space for herself in the world of film music, continuing to expand her influence beyond the pop charts.