2020 Oscar: Best Original Song Nominees & Winner!

The 2020 Oscars showcased an incredible array of musical talent, and the Best Original Song category was no exception! Guys, if you're a music lover like me, you probably remember the buzz surrounding these amazing tracks. Let's dive into the nominees and the ultimate winner, reliving those memorable moments and exploring what made each song so special. The Oscars are a night where cinematic achievements are celebrated, but the music often adds an extra layer of emotion and storytelling that elevates the films to new heights. The Best Original Song category, in particular, recognizes the power of music to enhance a film's narrative and resonate with audiences long after the credits roll. The selection process for these nominations is rigorous, involving a committee of music experts who carefully evaluate each submission based on its originality, lyrical content, melody, and overall impact on the film. This ensures that only the most deserving songs make it to the final list, representing a diverse range of genres and artistic styles. So, grab your popcorn, turn up the volume, and let's get started!

The Nominees

Each nominee brought something unique to the table, contributing to the diverse and vibrant musical landscape of 2019 cinema. From power ballads to soulful anthems, the 2020 Oscar nominees for Best Original Song were a testament to the artistry and creativity of songwriters and performers alike. The nominees included:

• "I Can't Let You Throw Yourself Away" from Toy Story 4: Written and performed by Randy Newman, this song is a classic Randy Newman tune – heartwarming, a little quirky, and deeply emotional. It perfectly captures the themes of friendship and sacrifice in Toy Story 4. Randy Newman, a veteran of film scoring and songwriting, brought his signature style to this beloved franchise, creating a song that resonated with audiences of all ages. His ability to blend humor and pathos is evident in every note, making "I Can't Let You Throw Yourself Away" a standout track in the Toy Story canon. The song's lyrics speak to the importance of self-worth and the power of friendship, reminding us that we are all valuable and deserving of love and support. Newman's performance is both tender and heartfelt, adding an extra layer of emotional depth to the already poignant scene in the film.
• "(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again" from Rocketman: Elton John and Bernie Taupin, a legendary duo, created this incredibly catchy and uplifting song for the Elton John biopic, Rocketman. It’s a celebration of self-acceptance and overcoming adversity. This song is more than just a catchy tune; it's an anthem of self-love and resilience. The lyrics, penned by Bernie Taupin, tell a story of overcoming personal struggles and finding the strength to embrace oneself fully. Elton John's performance is electrifying, channeling the energy and spirit of his younger self. The song's infectious melody and upbeat tempo make it impossible not to sing along, while its message of hope and empowerment resonates deeply with listeners. "(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again" is a testament to the enduring power of music to inspire and uplift, and it perfectly captures the essence of Rocketman's inspiring story.
• "I'm Standing With You" from Breakthrough: Diane Warren, known for her powerful ballads, wrote this song performed by Chrissy Metz. It’s an emotional and inspirational anthem about faith and perseverance. This song is a quintessential Diane Warren power ballad, filled with soaring vocals and heartfelt lyrics. Chrissy Metz delivers a stunning performance, conveying the raw emotion and vulnerability of the song's message. The lyrics speak to the importance of standing together in times of adversity, offering hope and encouragement to those who are struggling. "I'm Standing With You" is a testament to the power of faith and the resilience of the human spirit, and it resonated deeply with audiences who were touched by the film's true story of a mother's unwavering love and determination. The song's emotional impact is undeniable, making it a standout track in the Breakthrough soundtrack.
• "Into the Unknown" from Frozen 2: Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, the brilliant minds behind Frozen's music, delivered another showstopper with "Into the Unknown," performed by Idina Menzel featuring Aurora. It’s a powerful and adventurous song about embracing the unknown and facing your fears. This song is a captivating blend of soaring vocals, ethereal harmonies, and adventurous lyrics. Idina Menzel delivers a powerhouse performance, channeling the strength and determination of her character, Elsa. The song's lyrics speak to the allure of the unknown and the courage it takes to step outside of one's comfort zone. "Into the Unknown" is a visual and auditory spectacle, enhanced by Aurora's haunting vocals and the film's stunning animation. The song's message of self-discovery and embracing the unknown resonated deeply with audiences of all ages, making it a standout track in the Frozen 2 soundtrack.
• "Stand Up" from Harriet: Joshuah Brian Campbell and Cynthia Erivo penned this powerful and soulful anthem for the Harriet Tubman biopic. It's a song about courage, resilience, and fighting for freedom. This song is a stirring tribute to the courage and resilience of Harriet Tubman, a true American hero. Cynthia Erivo, who also starred in the film, delivers a powerful and soulful performance, conveying the depth of emotion and conviction in the song's lyrics. The lyrics speak to the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity, and fighting for freedom and equality. "Stand Up" is a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit and the importance of remembering and honoring those who fought for a better world. The song's emotional impact is undeniable, making it a standout track in the Harriet soundtrack and a powerful anthem for social justice.

And the Winner Is...

(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again" from Rocketman! Elton John and Bernie Taupin finally won an Oscar for Best Original Song! This marked Elton John’s second Oscar (he won previously for "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" from The Lion King) and Bernie Taupin’s first. It was a truly special moment, celebrating their incredible partnership and contribution to music. The win was met with thunderous applause and a standing ovation, a testament to the duo's enduring popularity and the song's powerful message. In their acceptance speeches, both Elton John and Bernie Taupin expressed their gratitude to the Academy and to the entire team behind Rocketman, emphasizing the importance of telling stories that celebrate diversity and promote self-acceptance. The win was not only a personal triumph for the two artists but also a victory for the LGBTQ+ community, as the song's message of self-love and empowerment resonated deeply with audiences around the world. The moment was a reminder of the power of music to transcend boundaries and bring people together, and it solidified "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again" as a timeless anthem for generations to come.

Why "(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again" Won

There are several reasons why "(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again" resonated with the Academy and audiences alike:

• The Elton John Factor: Elton John is a legend! His music has touched millions of people around the world. His involvement automatically gave the song a huge boost. Elton John's iconic status and enduring popularity made him a frontrunner in the competition. His presence on the red carpet and his heartfelt performance of the song during the awards ceremony further amplified the song's visibility and appeal. The Academy members, many of whom grew up listening to Elton John's music, were undoubtedly swayed by his legacy and his undeniable talent. Moreover, the film Rocketman itself was a critical and commercial success, further solidifying the song's chances of winning.
• Universal Message: The song’s message of self-acceptance is something everyone can relate to. It's a powerful and uplifting theme that resonated with voters. The song's lyrics, penned by Bernie Taupin, spoke to the struggles of overcoming personal demons and embracing one's true self. This message resonated deeply with audiences who have faced their own challenges and insecurities, making the song a powerful anthem for self-love and acceptance. In a world often filled with negativity and judgment, "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again" offered a message of hope and empowerment, reminding listeners that they are worthy of love and happiness.
• Catchy Tune: Let’s be honest, the song is incredibly catchy! It’s the kind of song that gets stuck in your head and makes you want to dance. The song's infectious melody and upbeat tempo made it an instant earworm, captivating listeners from the very first note. Elton John's signature piano riffs and his powerful vocals added to the song's appeal, making it a joy to listen to. The song's catchy tune also made it a popular choice for radio airplay and streaming, further increasing its visibility and solidifying its status as a hit song.
• Film Integration: The song was perfectly integrated into Rocketman, enhancing the emotional impact of the film. It wasn't just a standalone song; it was a crucial part of the narrative. The song was not simply a background track; it was an integral part of the film's narrative, enhancing the emotional impact of key scenes. The lyrics mirrored Elton John's personal journey of self-discovery and acceptance, making the song feel authentic and genuine. The song's placement in the film was carefully considered, ensuring that it resonated with the audience on a deeper level and amplified the film's overall message of hope and resilience.

The Impact of the Win

The win for "(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again" was significant for several reasons:

• Recognition for Elton John and Bernie Taupin: It was a well-deserved recognition of their incredible songwriting partnership, which has spanned decades. Their win served as a testament to their enduring talent and their contribution to the world of music. The Academy's recognition of their work was a long-awaited honor, given their decades-long career and their countless hit songs. The win also served as an inspiration to aspiring songwriters, demonstrating the power of collaboration and the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision.
• Visibility for Rocketman: The win brought even more attention to the Rocketman, further cementing its place in cinematic history. The Oscar win undoubtedly boosted the film's popularity and encouraged more people to see it, further amplifying its message of self-acceptance and empowerment. The film's success also paved the way for more biopics of musical icons, showcasing the power of music to tell compelling stories and connect with audiences on a deeper level.
• Inspiration for Self-Acceptance: The song’s message continues to inspire people to embrace themselves and overcome adversity. The song's message of self-love and acceptance continues to resonate with audiences around the world, reminding them that they are worthy of love and happiness, regardless of their past mistakes or insecurities. The song's impact extends beyond the realm of entertainment, serving as a source of hope and inspiration for those who are struggling with their identity or facing difficult challenges in their lives.

Final Thoughts

The 2020 Oscars Best Original Song category was filled with incredible talent, but "(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again" ultimately took home the gold. It was a win that celebrated music, self-acceptance, and the enduring power of collaboration. So, next time you're feeling down, put on this song and remember to love yourself! Guys, it’s a banger for a reason! The 2020 Oscars Best Original Song category will be remembered for its diverse range of musical styles and its powerful messages of hope, resilience, and self-acceptance. Each of the nominees brought something unique to the table, contributing to the vibrant tapestry of cinematic music. However, "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again" stood out for its infectious melody, its universal message, and its undeniable star power, earning it the coveted title of Best Original Song. The win was a testament to the enduring power of music to inspire, uplift, and connect people from all walks of life, and it solidified Elton John and Bernie Taupin's legacy as two of the greatest songwriters of all time. The 2020 Oscars Best Original Song category served as a reminder of the magic of music and its ability to transform films into unforgettable experiences. The nominated songs not only enhanced the narratives of their respective films but also resonated with audiences on a deeply emotional level, leaving a lasting impact long after the credits rolled. From Randy Newman's heartwarming tune in Toy Story 4 to Cynthia Erivo's powerful anthem in Harriet, each song contributed to the rich tapestry of cinematic storytelling. The 2020 Oscars Best Original Song category celebrated the power of music to inspire, uplift, and connect people from all walks of life. The nominated songs showcased the diversity of musical talent and the importance of using music to tell compelling stories that resonate with audiences on a deeply emotional level. As we continue to celebrate the magic of cinema, let us not forget the crucial role that music plays in enhancing our viewing experience and leaving a lasting impact on our hearts and minds.