Best Original Song - 1995

"Dead Man Walking" from Dead Man Walking sung by Bruce Springsteen

Movie Synopsis: A nun, while comforting a convicted killer on death row, empathizes with both the killer and his victim's families.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? I doubt it.

Is it important to the plot? Mood.

Is it pleasing to the ear? D-.

"Have You Every Really Loved a Woman?" from Don Juan DeMarco sung by Bryan Adams

Movie Synopsis: A psychiatrist must cure a young patient that presents himself as Don Juan, the greatest lover in the world.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.

Is it important to the plot? Uh...

Is it pleasing to the ear? A-.

"Colors of the Wind" from Pocahontas sung by Judy Kuhn

Movie Synopsis: An English explorer falls in love with a Native American girl in 1607, Virginia.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.

Is it important to the plot? Yes, it helps convince John Smith that nature is more than land to be claimed.

Is it pleasing to the ear? A.

"Moonlight" from Sabrina sung by Sting

Movie Synopsis: An ugly duckling having undergone a remarkable change, still harbors feelings for her crush: a carefree playboy, but not before his business-focused brother has something to say about it.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)?N/A.

Is it important to the plot? Ugh...I don't know.

Is it pleasing to the ear? D-.

"You've Got a Friend in Me" from Toy Story sung by Randy Newman

Movie Synopsis: A cowboy doll is threatened when a spaceman action figure threatens to take his place as Andy's favorite toy.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.

Is it important to the plot? Toys are your friends!!!

Is it pleasing to the ear? Randy. Newman. You decide. (B from me).

So what won?

"Colors of the Wind" from Pocahontas

What would I have voted for?

"Colors of the Wind" from Pocahontas

It's Disney.

Analysis
For the fifth time in seven years, a song from a Disney animated feature took the Best Original Song Oscar. The success would shortly (and sadly) end. At least they kicked Randy Newman's ass!