The 2016 Oscars celebrated some truly amazing achievements in film, and that includes the Best Original Song category! It's always exciting to see which tunes get recognized for their contribution to the movies we love. So, let's dive into the nominees from that year and see what made them so special.

A Look Back at the 2016 Best Original Song Nominees

The Best Original Song category at the Oscars is a fantastic way to honor the songwriters and composers who craft melodies and lyrics that enhance the emotional impact, storytelling, and overall experience of a film. These songs often become iconic, forever linked with the movies they accompany. In 2016, the nominees represented a diverse range of styles and genres, each bringing something unique to the table. From soulful ballads to upbeat anthems, the selection highlighted the power of music in cinema. The nominated songs not only captivated audiences within the context of their respective films but also stood alone as compelling musical works. Each song utilized its lyrical content and melody to evoke particular emotions, deepen character development, and underscore pivotal plot points, thereby enriching the cinematic narrative. What makes this category so fascinating is the blend of artistic expression and technical skill required to create a song that resonates with viewers and enhances the film's overall impact. These songs often linger in the minds of moviegoers long after the credits roll, becoming integral parts of the film's legacy. The Academy's selection process takes into account various factors, including the song's originality, its relevance to the film, and its overall artistic merit. Ultimately, the winner of the Best Original Song Oscar is a testament to the enduring power of music to elevate storytelling and connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level. Recognizing these achievements not only honors the talented individuals behind the music but also celebrates the vital role that songs play in the art of filmmaking.

"Earned It" from Fifty Shades of Grey

"Earned It," performed by The Weeknd, was definitely one of the standout tracks from the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack. This song brought a sultry and mysterious vibe that perfectly matched the tone of the film. Its slow, deliberate tempo, coupled with The Weeknd's signature vocals, created an atmosphere of intimacy and tension. The lyrics delve into themes of desire, trust, and vulnerability, mirroring the complex relationship depicted on screen. What made "Earned It" so impactful was its ability to capture the essence of the film's narrative while also standing alone as a commercially successful and critically acclaimed song. The Weeknd's performance is both captivating and nuanced, drawing listeners into the emotional landscape of the story. The song's arrangement, featuring a blend of R&B and electronic elements, added to its modern yet timeless appeal. Its success on the charts further solidified its place in popular culture, demonstrating the power of a well-crafted song to transcend its original context. The song's ability to evoke the specific mood of the film, combined with its widespread popularity, made it a strong contender for the Oscar. Ultimately, "Earned It" exemplifies how a song can not only enhance a film but also become a cultural phenomenon in its own right. The song's sophisticated production and The Weeknd's compelling vocal delivery ensured that it resonated with audiences long after they left the theater, solidifying its status as a memorable and significant contribution to the world of film music.

"Manta Ray" from Racing Extinction

"Manta Ray," performed by J. Ralph and featuring Anohni, brought a completely different feel to the nominees. This song was part of the Racing Extinction documentary, which tackled the serious issue of endangered species and environmental conservation. The haunting melody and Anohni's unique vocals created a sense of urgency and reflection. The lyrics speak to the beauty and fragility of the natural world, urging listeners to take action to protect it. What made "Manta Ray" so powerful was its ability to evoke a deep emotional response related to the pressing environmental concerns highlighted in the film. The song served as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of all living things and the responsibility we have to safeguard the planet for future generations. Its understated yet impactful arrangement allowed the message to take center stage, amplifying the documentary's call to action. The song's nomination brought increased attention to the film's important themes, highlighting the role that art can play in raising awareness about critical social and environmental issues. Anohni's ethereal vocals lent an otherworldly quality to the song, enhancing its emotional resonance and creating a sense of profound connection to the natural world. The song's gentle, melancholic tone perfectly complemented the film's sobering message, urging viewers to reflect on the impact of human activity on the environment. Ultimately, "Manta Ray" exemplified how music can be a powerful tool for advocacy, inspiring change and promoting a deeper understanding of the urgent need for environmental conservation.

"Simple Song #3" from Youth

"Simple Song #3," composed by David Lang and performed by Sumi Jo, was featured in the film Youth. This piece stood out for its classical influence and emotional depth. It wasn't your typical pop song; instead, it was a beautifully orchestrated composition that added a layer of sophistication to the movie. The song's delicate arrangement and Sumi Jo's soaring vocals created a sense of longing and introspection, perfectly capturing the film's themes of aging, memory, and the passage of time. What made "Simple Song #3" so memorable was its ability to convey complex emotions through its simple yet profound musical language. The song served as a poignant commentary on the characters' experiences, enhancing the film's exploration of life's deeper questions. Its nomination highlighted the Academy's appreciation for diverse musical styles and its recognition of the power of classical music to evoke powerful emotions. The song's understated beauty and emotional resonance made it a standout among the nominees, showcasing the ability of music to transcend language and connect with audiences on a deeply personal level. Sumi Jo's performance was both technically brilliant and emotionally nuanced, bringing a sense of vulnerability and humanity to the piece. The song's elegiac tone and introspective lyrics perfectly complemented the film's meditative atmosphere, inviting viewers to contemplate the complexities of life and the search for meaning. Ultimately, "Simple Song #3" exemplified how classical music can enrich the cinematic experience, adding depth and emotional resonance to storytelling.

"Til It Happens to You" from The Hunting Ground

"Til It Happens to You," performed by Lady Gaga and Diane Warren, was a powerhouse anthem from the documentary The Hunting Ground, which focused on sexual assault on college campuses. This song was incredibly moving and raw, and its message was impossible to ignore. The lyrics spoke directly to the experiences of survivors, offering a message of solidarity and resilience. What made "Til It Happens to You" so impactful was its ability to raise awareness about a critical social issue and provide a voice for those who had been silenced. The song served as a rallying cry for change, urging listeners to confront the problem of sexual assault and support survivors. Its nomination brought increased attention to the documentary's important message, amplifying its impact and inspiring action. Lady Gaga's powerful vocals and Diane Warren's heartfelt songwriting created a song that was both emotionally resonant and socially significant. The song's raw honesty and unwavering commitment to its message made it a standout among the nominees, showcasing the power of music to effect social change. The song's music video, featuring real-life survivors, further amplified its impact, creating a sense of shared experience and solidarity. The song's unflinching portrayal of trauma and its message of hope and healing resonated deeply with audiences, making it a powerful tool for advocacy and awareness. Ultimately, "Til It Happens to You" exemplified how music can be a catalyst for social change, sparking conversations and inspiring action on critical issues.

"Writing's on the Wall" from Spectre

"Writing's on the Wall," performed by Sam Smith, was the theme song for the James Bond film Spectre. Following in the footsteps of iconic Bond themes, this song had a lot to live up to, and it certainly delivered. Sam Smith's vocals, combined with the classic Bond orchestral arrangement, created a sense of drama and intrigue. The lyrics hinted at the film's themes of betrayal and destiny, adding to the overall atmosphere of suspense. What made "Writing's on the Wall" so compelling was its ability to capture the essence of the James Bond franchise while also standing alone as a commercially successful song. The song's sweeping melody and Smith's emotive performance created a sense of grandeur and romance, perfectly complementing the film's thrilling action sequences and exotic locales. Its nomination highlighted the enduring appeal of the Bond themes and the Academy's recognition of their contribution to cinematic culture. The song's sophisticated production and Smith's nuanced vocal delivery ensured that it resonated with audiences long after they left the theater, solidifying its status as a memorable addition to the Bond songbook. The song's brooding atmosphere and its exploration of themes of love and loss added depth to the Bond narrative, making it a standout among the nominees. Ultimately, "Writing's on the Wall" exemplified how a theme song can enhance a film's impact, creating a lasting connection between the music and the cinematic experience. And guess what? This song ended up winning the Oscar that year!

In Conclusion

The 2016 Oscar nominations for Best Original Song showcased a diverse and talented group of artists. Each song brought something unique to the table, whether it was raising awareness about social issues, adding emotional depth to a film, or simply providing a catchy tune. It's a reminder of the power of music in film and how it can enhance our experience as viewers. Each nominee contributed to the art of filmmaking, leaving a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. From The Weeknd's sultry vibes to Lady Gaga's powerful anthem and Sam Smith's Bond theme, the nominees reflected the wide range of emotions and themes explored in cinema. These songs not only enhanced the narratives of their respective films but also stood alone as compelling musical works, showcasing the creativity and artistry of the songwriters and performers involved. By recognizing these achievements, the Academy honored the vital role that music plays in storytelling and celebrated the enduring power of songs to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level. The 2016 nominations served as a testament to the collaborative spirit of filmmaking, highlighting the importance of music in bringing stories to life and leaving a lasting impact on popular culture. Ultimately, the Best Original Song category underscored the ability of music to transcend language and cultural barriers, uniting audiences through shared emotional experiences and inspiring a deeper appreciation for the art of cinema. So next time you are watching a movie, pay close attention to the songs, you might discover a new favorite!