Best Original Song - 1936

"I've Got You Under My Skin" from Born to Dance sung by Virginia Bruce 


Movie Synopsis: A man is caught between a Broadway star and an aspiring dancer.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? I'm pretty sure it does. 
Is it important to the plot? Maybe? 
Is it pleasing to the ear? B.

"Pennies From Heaven" from Pennies From Heaven sung by Bing Crosby 


Movie Synopsis: A man helps a fellow inmate with the family of his victim. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes. 
Is it important to the plot? He sings it to the little girl, so maybe he's making her feel better? 
Is it pleasing to the ear? D.

"When Did You Leave Heaven?" from Sing, Baby, Sing sung by Tony Martin 


Movie Synopsis: A nightclub singer's agent puts her into situations designed to advance her career. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes. 
Is it important to the plot? This guy sings it on a radio show...I don't know if he's important. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? C-.

"Did I Remember (To Tell You I Adore You)" from Suzy sung by Virginia Verrill and Cary Grant 


Movie Synopsis: The story of an American showgirl who marries an Irishman who is later murdered. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes. A couple times. 
Is it important to the plot? Yes, it hooks her up with Cary Grant. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? C.

"The Way You Look Tonight" from Swing Time sung by Fred Astaire 


Movie Synopsis: A performer and gambler travels to New York City to raise the $25,000 he needs to marry his fiancée, only to become entangled with a beautiful aspiring dancer. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes. Many times according to IMDd.
Is it important to the plot? Yes. It's actually a very sweet moment. Fred plays it at the piano, while Ginger is so overwhelmed that she comes out to listen while her hair is still covered in shampoo. When she discovers it in the mirror, she runs off. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? A.

"A Melody From the Sky" from A Trail of the Lonesome Pine sung by Fuzzy Knight 


Movie Synopsis: A family feud, industrialization, and a stranger effects the life of an Appalachian family. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes. 
Is it important to the plot? I don't know. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? C.

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So what won?

"The Way You Look Tonight" from Swing Time

What would I have voted for?
"The Way You Look Tonight" from Swing Time

The song has truly stood the test of time. My personal attachment to it comes from My Best Friend's Wedding. After watching the clip of this song on Youtube, it just made me like it more and want to watch the whole movie! Well done, song. Well done.

Analysis

By 1936, I guess the Academy discovered they didn't have to limit themselves to just three songs. None (other than the winner) really stand out. It really is surprising that they didn't just pile on the nominees, considering how many more musicals there were at this time. I guess it took them a few years to figure that out.