It’s Oscar time! On March 10, 2024, the 96th Academy Awards will be held, hosted again this year by Jimmy Kimmel. As I do every time, I look forward to watching the performances of the five songs nominated for this year’s Oscars. Each one suits the film for which it was made.
Best Original Song – Nominees
*The Fire Inside
Movie: Flamin’ Hot
Performed by Becky G
Music & Lyrics: Diane Warren
Becky sings this song with heart and passion. The tune has a catchy beat. Diane Warren did an excellent job with the lyrics, creating a piece that works with the movie’s story. She also did remarkable work with the composition that motivates listeners to want to get and dance. The words are uplifting and inspirational, full of hope and determination. Ismael Cano Jr did a fantastic job as the producer. The song’s energy is bold and dynamic, thanks to the upbeat music that gives an incredible “firey” and positive vibe.
*I’m Just Ken
Movie: Barbie
Performed by Ryan Gosling & cast
Music & Lyrics: Mark Ronson & Andrew Wyatt
Ryan Gosling sings this song with a bold passion. He captures the intense emotions the “Kens” feel throughout the film, including sadness and bitterness. Andrew Wyatt, along with the Barbie cast, did the background vocals. The music is dynamic, with impressive tempo changes. The vibe shifts from feeling weak to strong and confident. Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt were the songwriters behind this piece and did an excellent job capturing the challenging emotions. Mark Ronson (bass), Andrew Wyatt (synthesizer), John Freese (drums), and Ben Parry (choir conductor) did great work with the music.
*It Never Went Away
Movie: American Symphony
Performed by Jon Batiste
Music & Lyrics: Jon Batiste & Dan Wilson
Jon Batiste and Dan Wilson did excellent work on the composition and lyrics. The song is romantic and complements the movie’s vibe nicely.
Jon Batiste starts the piece with the piano, which he plays beautifully. The other musicians, Laura Sisk (Moog), Oli Jacobs (Synthesizer), and Lexie Lowell, contributed beautifully to the song and its vibe. He sings this tune with heart and soul, using a deep and rhythmic voice. The words are poetic and powerful, rich in profound emotions. The love feels genuine and heartfelt.
*Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)
Movie: Killers of the Flower Moon
Performed by Osage Tribal singers
Music & Lyrics: Scott George
Wahzhazhe is a powerful tribal song. It’s an instrumental piece with passionate music that expresses courage and determination to stand up for the people and truth. Traditional instruments, such as drums, create a sense of community. The tune is phenomenal, with a heartfelt spirituality.
*What Was I Made For?
Movie: Barbie
Performed by Billie Eilish
Music & Lyrics: Billie Eilish O’Connell & Finneas O’Connell
Billie Eilish does an incredible job describing people’s feelings, especially women’s when trying to live up to unrealistic expectations, especially beauty standards. It’s a profound, emotional piece. This song complements the message behind the Barbie film: how women struggle to keep up with so many rules that change so frequently. The music has a melancholy beat, expressing women’s sadness and heartache regarding their self-esteem. The piano in the background works with the tune’s melancholy.
I can’t wait to watch the musical performances of the five nominated songs at the 96th Academy Awards. It was lovely to hear these five incredible pieces.
The 96th Academy Awards will air on March 10 at 7 pm EST.
