The Oscars allow musical achievement to be recognized even after the Grammys, with the annual award for Best Original Song. This award is more of a writing award, similar to the Grammys “Song of the Year,” as it is given to the songwriters and/or composers, and does not award the performers.
According to Academy Award rules, “an original song consists of words and music, both of which are original and written specifically for the motion picture. There must be a clearly audible, intelligible, substantive rendition (not necessarily visually presented) of both lyric and melody, used in the body of the motion picture or as the first music cue in the end credits.”
The nominees for Best Original Song are normally from a wide range of films, and some go on to become hits afterward. Past winners include “Over the Rainbow” from “The Wizard of Oz,” “Falling Slowly” from “Once,” “Lose Yourself” from “8 Mile,” “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life” from “Dirty Dancing,” and “My Heart Will Go On” from “Titanic.” Could this year’s nominees possibly hold the same fate?
“Happy” from “Despicable Me 2,” by Pharrell Williams
Nothing describes this song better than its title. Compared to other 2014 nominees, this song just makes you feel good. It uses simple hand percussion combined with Williams’ buttery vocals and a funk sound. The innocent lyrics combined with those lovable minions may give Disney, Karen O and U2 a run for their money. Look out for the peppy live performance at the Oscars.
“Let It Go” from “Frozen,” by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez
The Disney darling of the bunch, belted by the insanely talented Idina Menzel in several flawless key changes, is sure to end up on playlists for years to come. Since “Pinocchio’s” ”When You Wish Upon A Star” in 1940, Disney films have often been the favorites to win in the Best Original Song category, including “The Little Mermaid,” “Aladdin,” “The Lion King,” “Pocahontas,” “Tarzan,” “Monsters Inc.” and “Toy Story 3.”
“The Moon Song” from “Her,” by Spike Jonze and Karen O
Indie artists rarely get Academy Award nods, and Karen O’s heart wrenching and intimate lullaby more than deserves it. The amount of emotion packed into only 2:35 minutes is astounding and speaks greatly to O’s writing abilities. The song is used in the film as Joaquin Phoenix’s character plays his ukelele and sings along with Scarlett Johansen’s voice. O and director Spike Jonze have also worked together on “Where The Wild Things Are,” which received both Grammy and Golden Globe nominations, giving this song a good chance for a win.
“Ordinary Love” from “Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom” by Paul Hewson
This entrancing and funky, yet reflective jam by U2 surprisingly does not feature any of Bono’s famous vocals. “Ordinary Love” proved itself by taking home the Best Original Song award at the 2014 Golden Globe Awards. This track could also win purely for its historical context: Mandela died less than a week after it was released. This is Bono’s 2nd Academy Award nomination, the first being in 2003, for Best Original Song for “Gangs of New York.”