While the Oscar race in the top categories appeared to have settled on likely winners, the competition for the Music (Original Song) category at the 93rd Academy Awards remains wide open. Due to the pandemic that closed movie theaters for nearly all of last year, many would-be blockbusters were either postponed or debuted on streaming. Absent this year are the typical musical number from an animated film or the song that becomes synonymous with a movie. That’s left room for this year’s five nominees: four songs from dramas about social bonds and a fifth from a comedy that parodies musical competition.
Here are the five contenders for Music (Original Song):
"Fight For You" from Judas and the Black Messiah
Music by H.E.R. and Dernst Emile II; Lyric by H.E.R. and Tiara Thomas
"Hear My Voice" from The Trial of the Chicago 7
Music by Daniel Pemberton; Lyric by Daniel Pemberton and Celeste Waite
"Husavik" from Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga
Music and Lyric by Savan Kotecha, Fat Max Gsus and Rickard Göransson
"Io Sì (Seen)" from The Life Ahead (La Vita Davanti a Se)
Music by Diane Warren; Lyric by Diane Warren and Laura Pausini
"Speak Now: from One Night in Miami...
Music and Lyric by Leslie Odom, Jr. and Sam Ashworth)
All five nominated songs came from movies that were released on streaming. None have emerged as the frontrunner. “Husavik” stands out as the only song integral to the movie, rather than play out over the end credits like the other four competitors. However, 12-time nominee Diane Warren could be seen as “due” for her first Oscar after “Io Sì (Seen)” won the Golden Globe
Tune in to the 93rd Academy Award on Sunday to see who walks away with Oscar gold.