The Academy Awards selections in the Best Song category have changed over the years. For the past few years, the winners in this category has steered away from top selling songs and superstar singers. Previous winners include "The Muppets," "Toy Story 3," "Crazy Heart," and "Slumdog Millionaire." This year is no different with the exception of one star, Adele, who has become one of the most popular artists in the world.
"Before My Time" from Chasing Ice-"Chasing Ice" was slated to be nominated from Best Documentary but missed out on the nomination. Instead, it surprised by getting nominated in the Best Song category. The song marks the first nomination for J. Ralph and features actress Scarlett Johansson and superstar violinist Joshua Bell.
"Everybody Needs a Best Friend" from Ted-"Ted," which was a box office hit, was never expected to get an Oscar nomination especially after missing the star studded Golden Globe nominations. However, the Academy surprised many and made history with the nomination. The nomination for Walter Murphy and Seth Macfarlane marks the fifth time an Oscar host gets nominated the year he hosts the awards. Macfarlane's nomination also marked the second time in the history of the Academy Awards that a host announced his own nomination. The song was performed by Norah Jones and is Murphy and MacFarlane's first nomination.
Pi's Lullaby From Life of Pi-Another surprise in the category, "Life of Pi"'s nomination further demonstrated the Academy embraced the film. The song represented Mycheal Danna's second nomination and Bombay Jayashri's first. The song is sung by Jayashri and could easily win if Life of Pi is favored at the awards ceremony.
"Skyfall" from Skyfall -Adele Adkins and Paul Epworth's nomination marks their first at the Academy. The song is the frontrunner to win especially after garnering a Golden Globe, a Critics' Choice Award and numerous other accolades. If Adele is to win, she will be the biggest artist to win the award since Eminem in 2003 for the "8 Mile."
"Suddenly" from Les Miserables-Michel Schonberg, Herbert Kretzmer and Alain Boubil's mention is the first nomination for three musicians. When composing the music Schonberg stated that he had to make sure the music matched the originals score's style. Director Tom Hooper stated that the original Broadway show did not have a moment where Jean Valjean could express his feelings about being a father for the first time and wanted to show this through a song. "Suddenly" has already won best song at the Satellite awards but it is unlikely to win the Oscar as "Skyfall" has the upper hand.
Prediction- Skyfall has the momentum after winning so many awards and giving Adele the Oscar could possibly bring more audience to their show.