Best Original Song - 2002

"Lose Yourself" from 8 Mile sung by Eminem.

Movie Synopsis: A young rapper, struggling with every aspect of his life, wants to make the most of what could be his final opportunity but his problems around gives him doubts.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? I think just the end credits.
Is it important to the plot? I guess not.
Is it pleasing to the ear? B.

"I Move On" from Chicago sung by Catherine Zeta-Jones and Renee Zellweger

Movie Synopsis: Two murderesses find themselves on death row together and fight for the fame that will keep them from the gallows in 1920s Chicago.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Just end credits. Total Oscar bait.
Is it important to the plot? Hell no.
Is it pleasing to the ear? A-.

"Burn it Blue" from Frida sung by Caetano Veloso and Lila Downs 

Movie Synopsis: A biography of artist Frida Kahlo, who channeled the pain of a crippling injury and her tempestuous marriage into her work.

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

"The Hands That Built America" from Gangs of New York sung by U2

Movie Synopsis: In 1863, Amsterdam Vallon returns to the Five Points area of New York City seeking revenge against Bill the Butcher, his father's killer.

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

"Father and Daughter" from The Wild Thornberrys Movie sung by Paul Simon

Movie Synopsis: Three American roommates working in Italy wish for the man of their dreams after throwing coins into Rome's magnificent Trevi Fountain.

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

So what won?

"Lose Yourself" from 8 Mile

What would I have voted for?

"Lose Yourself" from 8 Mile. Yes, I know I rated "I Move On" higher, but I just can't choose an Oscar bait song, especially from a musical. They're just greedy. Also, "Lose Yourself" is what I consider to be a real song, meaning it was popular and actually played on the radio. People liked it! People remember it! That's more than I can say about what won the Oscar in 2007. Can you remember? That's right. Didn't think you could. Also, when I think "Lose Yourself", I think 8 Mile and vice versa. That is was a BOS should be.

Analysis

2002 is officially the only year of the past decade where I completely agree with Oscar's choice. The rest of the songs are either pretentious (U2, cough, cough!) or forgettable and bloated (Burn it Blue). I really wish more popular songs would win...or be eligible I guess.

Best Original Song - 1954

"The High and the Mighty" from The High and the Mighty sung by Angela Lansbury


Movie Synopsis: When a commercial airliner develops engine problems on a trans-Pacific flight and the pilot loses his nerve, it is up to the washed-up co-pilot to bring the plane in safely.


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

"The Man That Got Away" from A Star is Born sung by Judy Garland


Movie Synopsis: A movie star helps a young singer/actress find fame, even as age and alcoholism send his own career into a downward spiral.


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

"Hold My Hand" from Susan Slept Here sung by Don Cornell


Movie Synopsis: A struggling Hollywood scriptwriter who takes care of a juvenile delinquent.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? Yes, it shows the teenage girl's immaturity.
Is it pleasing to the ear? C.

"Three Coins in the Fountain" from Three Coins in the Fountain 


Movie Synopsis: Three American roommates working in Italy wish for the man of their dreams after throwing coins into Rome's magnificent Trevi Fountain.


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

"Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep" from White Christmas sung by Bing Crosby


Movie Synopsis: A successful song-and-dance team become romantically involved with a sister act and team up to save the failing Vermont inn of their former commanding general.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? It brings Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney closer romantically.
Is it pleasing to the ear? Eh...C.

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So what won?

"Three Coins in the Fountain" from Three Coins in the Fountain

What would I have voted for?

"The Man That Got Away" from A Star is Born. It's the best sung.

Analysis
By my grades, this year was officially average. A sucky, average year. All the songs sound similar and are equally forgettable. If it weren't for Frank Sinatra's rendition of "Three Coins" then everyone would forget that song to.

Best Original Song - 1986

"Somewhere Out There" from An American Tail sung by Phillip Glasser and Amy Green

Movie Synopsis: A young Russian mouse is separated from his family after immigrating to America.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? It shows Tanya's refusal to give up on Fievel and his longing to return home.
Is it pleasing to the ear? The movie version? Hell no. But as a melody, A.

"The Glory of Love" from The Karate Kid-Part II sung by Peter Cetera 

Movie Synopsis: Daniel accompanies his mentor to Okinawa who is off to see his dying father and confront his old rival, while Daniel inadvertently makes an enemy of his own.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the opening/end credits)? I don't know.
Is it important to the plot? Beats me.
Is it pleasing to the ear? B.

"Mean Green Mother From Outer Space" from Little Shop of Horrors sung by Levi Stubbs and Chorus 

Movie Synopsis: A nerdy florist finds his chance for success and romance with the help of a giant man-eating plant who demands to be fed.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the opening/end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? It reveals Audrey II's plot for world domination.
Is it pleasing to the ear? Awful. F.

"Life in a Looking Glass" from That's Life! sung by Tony Bennett 

Movie Synopsis: An aging couple face a difficult weekend. 

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? I think just the end credits.
Is it important to the plot? Um, it applies to the plot kind of.
Is it pleasing to the ear? C.

"Take My Breath Away" from Top Gun sung by Berlin 

Movie Synopsis: The macho students of an elite US Flying school for advanced fighter pilots compete to be best in the class, and one romances the teacher. 

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the opening/end credits)? As score, but never with lyrics until the end credits.
Is it important to the plot? Not remotely.
Is it pleasing to the ear? A.

So what won?

"Take My Breath Away" from Top Gun

What would I have voted for?

"Take My Breath Away" from Top Gun. All right, it's the best song in the bunch. Perhaps, on principal, "Somewhere Out There" should win, but those damn little kid singing voices ruin it for me. No dice. Plus, it's not every year we get a good sex song as a winner or nominee.

Analysis

An uneven year was 1986. We had two super 80's synthed out songs, followed by a Disney-esque kiddie song courtesy of Don Bluth, then a call back to the Mancini days of yore, and finally, one the worst songs I've ever heard. I can't believe Alan Menken and Howard Ashman wrote that terrible song! I have a feeling 80's will be uneven in its nominees and I'm looking forward to it.

Best Original Song - 1935

"Lullaby of Broadway" from Gold Diggers of 1935 sung by Wini Shaw and Chorus


Movie Synopsis: In a luxury hotel, a stage director stages a show to get the money to pay his bills.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? Probably about as important as any other song. I can't tell from the clip.
Is it pleasing to the ear? Eh, depends on who is singing it. C.

"Lovely to Look At" from Roberta sung by Irene Dunne 


Movie Synopsis: In Paris, an American falls in love with his aunt's assistant. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the opening/end credits)? Yes. 
Is it important to the plot? Irene Dunne comes out and sings it until her love interest shows up and then she sings it to him. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? C-

"Cheek to Cheek" from Top Hat sung by Fred Astaire 


Movie Synopsis: Two dancers fall in love...yadda, yadda, yadda. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the opening/end credits)?
Yes. 
Is it important to the plot? It gives our leads a chance to dance and fall in love. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? B.

   
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So what won?

"Lullaby of Broadway" from Gold Diggers of 1935

What would I have voted for?

"Cheek to Cheek" from Top Hat. It's the most recognizable. And I like it best.

Analysis

In the second year of giving out the BOS award, the Academy continued with nominating only three films. Out of the three, two are billed as Fred and Ginger flicks, even though it appears the middle one just features them. After 1935, the number of nominated songs balloons from three to six and keeps growing until it reaches 14 in 1945. Get ready for that blog!

Best Original Song - 1977

"Candle on the Water" from Pete's Dragon sung by Helen Reddy


Movie Synopsis: An orphan boy and his magical dragon come to town with his abusive adoptive parents in pursuit.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? Yes, it expresses Nora's undying devotion to Paul, her lover lost as sea.
Is it pleasing to the ear? Surprisingly, for a Disney movie, I'm giving it a B-.

"Someone's Waiting for You" from The Rescuers sung by Shelby Flint


Movie Synopsis: Two mice of the Rescue Aid Society search for a little girl kidnapped by unscrupulous treasure hunters. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the opening/end credits)? Yes. 
Is it important to the plot? It shows Penny's sorrow, but tells her to keep holding on. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? A+

"He Danced With Me/She Danced With Me" from The Slipper and the Rose sung by Gemma Craven and Richard Chamberlain 


Movie Synopsis: A musical version of Cinderella. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the opening/end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? It expresses that the prince and Cinderella have fallen in love with one another after their first meeting. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? Eh, C.

"Nobody Does it Better" from The Spy Who Loved Me


Movie Synopsis: James Bond investigates the hijacking of British and Russian submarines carrying nuclear warheads with the help of a KGB agent whose lover he killed.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the opening/end credits)? No...opening credits.
Is it important to the plot? Are Bond themes ever important to the plot?
Is it pleasing to the ear? A+

"You Light Up My Life" from You Light Up My Life sung by Debby Boone


Movie Synopsis: A young woman strives to be a singer despite life's difficulties.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the opening/end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? I think so because the main character finally gets to record a song.
Is it pleasing to the ear? A

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So what won?

"You Light Up My Life" from You Light Up My Life

What would I have voted for?

"Nobody Does It Better" from The Spy Who Loved Me. I'm not a James Bond fan by any means, but I love how much this sweet little love song contrasts with the action packed, spy movie. Plus, it's a very fun song to sing.

Analysis

1977 is also a very good year. I very much enjoy 3 out of 5 songs from this year and the others are listenable as well. This will not shock anyone, but I went through a big "You Light Up My Life" phase...just 25 years after everyone else did. Most people don't even know that it was from an actual movie. To me, it seems the BOS winner should be forever be linked to the film from whence it came, but stand alone. I also have to say that I love "Someone's Waiting For You" from The Rescuers too. It's so 70's. And I love the 70's.

Best Original Song - 1948

"For Every Man There is a Woman" from Casbah sung by Tony Martin/Yvonne DeCarlo


Movie Synopsis: The life, loves and adventures of a classic Casbah thief.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Since one of the stars sings it, I'm guessing yes.
Is it important to the plot? This is apparently a musical, and knowing musicals, it's a crapshoot.
Is it pleasing to the ear? C

"This is the Moment" from That Lady in Ermine sung by Betty Grable and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. 


Movie Synopsis: An Italian countess is at a loss when invaded by a Hungarian army and receives help from her lookalike ancestor who comes to life from a portrait. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the opening/end credits)? Yes. 
Is it important to the plot? In a dream, the ancestress "seduces" the Hungarian with song. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? B+

"Buttons and Bows" from The Paleface sung by Bob Hope 


Movie Synopsis: Calamity Jane is dispatched to find out who's smuggling rifles to the Indians, and winds up married to a hapless correspondence school dentist as part of her cover. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the opening/end credits)? Yes. 
Is it important to the plot? From what I gathered from the Youtube clip, Bob Hope is singing to Jane Russell about his preference of the tame east and how enjoys women in finery, versus her rough and tumble outfits. As you can see from the poster, Calamity Jane really dresses like a ragamuffin. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? Maybe it's the way that Bob Hope sings it, but it sounds pretty forced and repetitive...C+.

"It's Magic" from Romance on the High Seas sung by Doris Day


Movie Synopsis: A socialite hires a nightclub singer to pose as her on a sea cruise, while she stays at home to spy on her philandering husband, while the husband hires a detective to tail his wife on the cruise.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Probably...it's a musical.
Is it important to the plot? I'm assuming that it's used to express Doris Day's burgeoning love.
Is it pleasing to the ear? B+

"The Woody Woodpecker Song" from Wet Blanket Policy sung by Gloria Wood and Harry Babbit


Movie Synopsis: Buzz Buzzard tries to convince Woody Woodpecker to get an insurance policy.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the opening/end credits)? Starts in the opening credits and continues a little into the action. 
Is it important to the plot? It introduces the character...sort of. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? God, no...D-.

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So what won?

"Buttons and Bows" from The Paleface

What would I have voted for?

"This is the Moment" from That Lady in Ermine. I liked the melody best.

Analysis

This was a lackluster year. All the songs are so 40's, and unmemorable. In fact, I've forgotten all the melodies, except for "Buttons and Bows" and that's because I've listened to it several times simply because it won the Oscar. "The Woody Woodpecker Song", I learned, was a HUGE hit in the 40's and I can only surmise as to why. I suppose it's kind of neat that a song from a cartoon short has been nominated, but it hasn't happened since and is unlikely to.

Best Original Song - 1963

"So Little Time" from 55 Days at Peking sung by Andy Williams


Movie Synopsis: Diplomats, soldiers and other representatives of a dozen nations fend off the siege of the International Compound in Peking during the 1900 Boxer Rebellion.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? I have no clue.
Is it important to the plot? Ditto.
Is it pleasing to the ear? N/A

"Charade" from Charade sung by Chorus 


Movie Synopsis: Romance and suspense in Paris, as a woman is pursued by several men who want a fortune her murdered husband had stolen. 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the opening/end credits)? No...opening credits.
Is it important to the plot? Establishing mood, I guess?
Is it pleasing to the ear? B

"It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" from It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World sung by  Chorus 


Movie Synopsis: The dying words of a thief spark a madcap cross-country rush to find some treasure.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the opening/end credits)? According to the IMDb page, it appears during the Overture. But I watched/listened to the credits sequence, and there were no lyrics.
Is it important to the plot? If it's only in the opening sequence, I guess not.
Is it pleasing to the ear? If it's the same tune as the other music I heard, the C+.

"Ti guarderò nel cuore (More)" from Mondo Cane


Movie Synopsis: The original "shockumentary" consisting of a collection of mostly real archive footage displaying mankind at its most depraved and perverse, displaying bizarre rituals, cruel behavior, and animal violence 


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? I do not know.
Is it important to the plot? Well, with Mondo Cane being an "shockumentary" I have no idea why this tender, pop standard love song could possibly fit anywhere in it.
Is it pleasing to the ear? A-

"Call Me Irresponsible" from Papa's Delicate Condition sung by Jackie Gleason


Movie Synopsis: A small-town family man gets into trouble whenever he drinks too much.


Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the opening/end credits)? Maybe. Jackie Gleason is credited as singing it, so it could be sung within the movie.
Is it important to the plot? I don't know.
Is it pleasing to the ear? B.

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So what won?

"Call Me Irresponsible" from Papa's Delicate Condition

What would I have voted for?

"Charade" from Charade. I haven't seen any of these movies, but knowing that Charade is a Hitchcock movie, I feel the haunting melody of "Charade" fits it's movie best...as far as I can tell.

Analysis

I'm rather bummed that I only got to hear 3 out of the 5 songs for 1963. Expect a lot of that though. My only source is Youtube. "Call Me Irresponsible" is a huge pop standard that I knew before I started looking into BOS winners. (Perhaps it's best that it won, since it's the only one of the bunch to be easily recognized by modern audiences). I also very much enjoyed "More" although I wonder how in the hell the song ended up in such a movie. The Italian title translates to "I will watch you in the heart" so, it's still a love song...maybe. I was also interested to learn that at least one other song from a documentary was nominated for BOS. (Other than 2006's recent winner "I Need to Wake Up" from An Inconvenient Truth.)

Best Original Song - 1991

I have to say that 1991 is the best year for Best Original Songs. Now, yes, I am biased because three of the songs up this year are from my favorite movie and I love them all. But I very much enjoy the other two as well.

Songs nominated (in alphabetical order):

"Beauty and the Beast" from Beauty and the Beast sung by Angela Lansbury

Movie Synopsis: A young peasant girl sacrifices her freedom to save her father from vicious beast whom she later falls in love with.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? Um, kind of. It basically reiterates everything we've seen in the movies, and acts a slow dance song. However, this does bring Belle and the Beast physically closer.
Is it pleasing to the ear? A+

"Be Our Guest" from Beauty and the Beast sung by Jerry Orbach, Angela Lansbury, and Chorus

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? Yes. It shows everyone in the castle's readiness to welcome Belle and introduces the minor characters further. 
Is it pleasing to the ear? A+

"Belle" from Beauty and the Beast sung by Paige O'Hara, Richard White, and Chorus

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? Yes, it introduces Belle as a well read, lonely woman and Gaston as a self-centered, narcissist and her entire village who doesn't understand her.
Is it pleasing to the ear? A+

"When You're Alone" from Hook sung by Amber Scott

Movie Synopsis: When Captain Hook kidnaps his children, an adult Peter Pan must return to Neverland and must reclaim his youthful spirit in order to challenge his nemesis.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? Yes.
Is it important to the plot? Kind of. Maggie is trapped on Captain Hook's ship and sings this song to the pirates. Jack hears it and is reminded of his mother. Peter also hears it and probably remembers it even more.
Is it pleasing to the ear? A

"Everything I Do (I Do it For You)" from Robin Hood: King of Thieves sung by Bryan Adams

Movie Synopsis: When Robin and his Moorish companion come to England and the tyranny of the Sheriff of Nottingham, he decides to fight back as an outlaw.

Does it appear in the movie (i.e. other than the end credits)? As score...but then not played fully until the end credits.
Is it important to the plot? Nope.
Is it pleasing to the ear? A

So what won?

"Beauty and the Beast" from Beauty and the Beast.

What would I have chosen?

"Belle" from Beauty and the Beast. I know, I'm a little surprised myself. But I think this song is more important to the overall movie. Plus, I've always been a little irked that Angela Lansbury sings the love song in this movie, but whatever. "Belle" is definitely a more show stopping number. Plus, the character actually sings in it. By no means am I complaining about what won. It's actually my second choice. I'm just glad one from this movie won!

Analysis
Like I said, this is one the best years for BOS category and the first year to have three nominees from the same movies. Since then, this has occurred three more times with The Lion King in 1994, Dreamgirls in 2006, and Enchanted in 2007. The last two times, all the votes have canceled each other out, and the third or fourth place song has won. I am so happy this didn't happen with Beauty and the Beast. (Or The Lion King for that matter).

Believe it or not, 1991 was not the first year a Disney movie won BOS. Not even close. Disney has been rather successful with nominations and wins. But more on that at a later time. This concludes my first Best Original Song blog. I will pick another random year...right now. How about 1963? Good? Good.

Best Original Song - Introduction

I have been following the Academy Awards since 2004. After Return of the King swept in 2003, I decided that I wanted to watch all 77 (at the time) best picture winners. In the span of a year, through borrowing, renting, buying, Netflix, and religiously studying the schedules of TCM, AMC, and Fox Movie Channel, I succeeded in my goal. Since then, I've tried to see the nominees before the actual ceremony. (This year, I failed so tremendously). Anyway, Best Picture isn't the only category I care about. I also have a special place for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.

Over the course of the past decade, I've been disappointed with nearly every Best Original Song winner. So I've decided to take an in depth look at all the former nominees and winners, and decide if, in my humble opinion, the song of any given year deserved to win.

Here's a little background information for you. The Best Original Song category was added in 1934. Until 1941, the only requirement to nominated in this category was for the song to appear in the movie. Then the rules changed so the song must be written for the movie specifically.

I am not going in any specific order, so if any of you readers out there would like me to choose a particular year, just let me know. I will soon be posting a blog on 1991, one of my favorite years. I figure I should start on a high note. Pun intended.