Best Original Song has always been one of the more contentious categories at the Oscars. It has often been argued by critics and Oscarologists as the least essential category considering how far removed from the filmmaking process it can be. Such is often the case for opening and closing credits songs, but the right tune can sometimes linger on even further than the film with which it is associated.
The Best Original Song winners of the 2010s so far have been a fun mix of credit songs and songs from musicals that you can practically hear in the back of your mind upon remembering the film. Below is my own personal ranking of the Best Original Song winners as of 2018.
9. “Writing’s on the Wall” from Spectre
This mournful dirge was widely derided when it defeated Lady Gaga and Diane Warren’s powerful “Til It Happens To You” at the 2015 Oscars, and frankly, for good reason. In theory, Sam Smith was a good choice to deliver a James Bond theme, but the result is a dreary ballad that goes nowhere and leaves little to no impact. I’m sure it was difficult following Adele’s massively acclaimed “Skyfall,” but “Writing’s On the Wall” is just a big nothing burger. Radiohead’s rejected song “Spectre” is leagues better in creating an evocative, distinct theme, albeit not quite as intelligible in vocal delivery.
8. “We Belong Together” from Toy Story 3
“We Belong Together” is certainly no “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.” While I will defend “Colors of the Wind’s” Oscar victory over the latter, it’s admittedly a shame that “We Belong Together” is the Oscar-winning track from the Toy Story film series. There’s nothing particularly wrong with “We Belong Together,” with Randy Newman’s charmingly goofy voice giving the track some extra pep. I just wish the song resonated stronger. For a Randy Newman song, this simply doesn’t have
7. “Man or Muppet” from The Muppets
The infamous year where only two songs were nominated! “Man or Muppet” is a cute song in which Jason Segel and his muppet friend Walter go through identity crises. A clever parody of classic Harry Nilsson-style ballads, this is a fun duet that will make you smile and then immediately evaporate into thin air. Like “We Belong Together,” it isn’t a bad song but certainly nothing memorable and I guess it’s better than that song from Rio, so I can at least say it was a deserved win.
6. “City of Stars” from La La Land
Controversial to have it this low? Depends on who you ask. “City of Stars” became the unofficial anthem of La La Land, and while I find it very hummable it’s a bit too even-keeled to have much of a lasting impact. It probably doesn’t help that Ryan Gosling’s voice is rather average and monotone, so I don’t quite feel the emotional impact of a dreamer living in Los Angeles hoping that the stars are shining just for him. That said, it does have a timeless quality to it that will help it endure, and it is well-placed in the film.
5. “Remember Me” from Coco
“Remember Me” is present throughout Coco, taking many forms. First introduced in a mariachi arrangement, it’s catchy and bombastic in the best way. Then it takes on new resonance as Héctor performs it as a lullaby to his young daughter, Coco. But as anyone who saw Coco would tell you, the third iteration, performed in the film’s emotional climax, is a genuinely moving rendition that brings home the film’s themes of familial bonding. It’s a simple melody, but performed with such heartfelt passion.
4. “Glory” from Selma
“Glory” is another stirring Best Original Song winner, commenting on the importance of standing up and protesting injustice in the hope of one day being able to bask in
3. “Skyfall” from Skyfall
Speaking of songs that don’t necessarily factor into the film’s narrative, we have Skyfall‘s opening credits song of the same name. “Skyfall” is moody and mysterious, with Adele delivering a chilling vocal performance that highlights her wide range. The background vocals and orchestral instrumentation give this song an epic, anthemic feel that just knocks me out every time. After so many classic Bond themes, this managed to succeed as both an homage to the past and feel *Simon Cowell voice* very current and radio-friendly.
2. “Let It Go” from Frozen
Listen, I’m not a parent. I don’t have that Pavlovian response of hearing this song and immediately wanting to smash the radio. That may factor into why I feel comfortable putting “Let It Go” at no. 2, but I would say that any song with this kind of breakout success did something right. Idina Menzel’s powerhouse vocals are reminiscent of her stint as Elphaba in Wicked, and the comparisons to “Defying Gravity” are not off. Still, it is a powerful ode to letting go of shame and not allowing others’ opinions to bother you. It is the clear highlight in all of Frozen and cements Elsa’s status as an iconic modern Disney character. Plus, it works in the phrase “frozen fractals.” Just saying.
1. “Shallow” from A Star Is Born
Our most recent Best Original Song winner is also the best of the decade. In truth, nothing can compare to when I (all of us) first experienced Lady Gaga grabbing that microphone belting out that AAAAHHHaaaahhhhAHHHHH in the trailer for A Star Is Born, and I have loved it ever since. The most exhilarating moment in the film, “Shallow” is a deceptively genius song with its simple guitar, Gaga’s hesitant vocals that become more confident with each word, her gorgeous harmonizing with Bradley Cooper, and that now-iconic wail. It does what the best movie songs can do, working well as a standalone track outside the context of the film, but working like magic in the film itself. Not everyone feels this is even the best song in A Star Is Born, let alone the Best Original Song winner of the decade, but in terms of emotional impact and power, nothing beats it.