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Oscars 2014: Best Original Song Nominees

Daffany Chan |
February 26, 2014 | 2:18 p.m. PST

Executive Producer

Though music's biggest night has long since passed, the Grammys has since passed the music awards torch to the Oscars.

SEE ALSO: Neon Tommy's Grammys 2013 Coverage

The normally sleepy Best Original Song category has been creating buzz and fierce competition, especially after the self-titled song for Christian film "Alone Yet Not Alone" was disqualified. According to the Academy, musician Bruce Broughton had unfairly contacted and promoted his song to voters.

Though the entire fiasco has let a bad taste in the mouth of devout Oscar fans, don't fret -- there are still four diverse, inspiring, fun nominees vying for the golden statue. Neon Tommy brings you the highlights of this year's Oscar's Best Original Song race:

(Pinterest @ Jessica Delgado)
(Pinterest @ Jessica Delgado)
1) "Let it Go" from "Frozen"

The animated film's original score, the ballad "Let it Go" sung by Broadway star Indina Menzel, is the go-to favorite this year, adored by both fans and critics alike for the win this year.

Animated movies always do well in this category, with classic films like "Toy Story 3" and "Man or Muppet" dominating the field in the past. Not only was "Frozen's" album a huge hit, topping the charts for four weeks at No. 1, but the movie was also extremely successful, raking in almost $1 billion to date. Not bad, Disney.

(Pinterest @ isaharaway)
(Pinterest @ isaharaway)
2) "Happy" from "Despicable Me 2"

Pop singer Pharrell Williams composed and co-produced this playful track for the "Despicable Me" sequel. The tune was a digital hit, garnering 1.3 million downloads and over 67 million views on its music video.

Pharrell's popularity especially, could bring this track the win. "The beauty of 'Happy' is that it's so closely associated with Pharrell. It has transcended the film audience to connect with people on a musical level. That can only be good," said Billboard senior correspondent Phil Gallo. 

 

(Pinterest @ cinenews.be)
(Pinterest @ cinenews.be)

3) "Ordinary Love" from "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom"

Irish rock phenomenon U2 wrote and performed the song to honor Nelson Mandela in the biographical film after being invited to record a song by producer Harvey Weinstein.

The inspiring single has already done well on the awards circuit, winning the Best Original Song - Motion Picture category at the Golden Globes. But with such fierce competition at the Oscar's this year, it'll be a tough battle for "Ordinary Love" to bring home gold.

 

 

 

 

 

(Pinterest @ cautioustrain.com)
(Pinterest @ cautioustrain.com)
4) "The Moon Song" from "Her"

Yeah Yeah Yeahs' front woman Karen O showcases her talent in "The Moon Song," which she and director Spike Jonze co-wrote. The simple, minimalistic song will be performed at the Oscar's this Sunday.

Though the indie track is a stand out with its acoustic style and incredible lyrics, it hasn't made much of an impression during Oscar campaigning, or received anywhere near the mainstream popularity the other nominees have.

Read more of NT's Oscars 2014 coverage here.

Reach Executive Producer Daffany Chan here. 



 

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