Last night, John Legend and Common’s collaboration “Glory” took home the Oscar for best original song in a movie, thereby possibly entering the arena of the best Oscar-winning songs. While there’s no denying that this track is lyrically powerful and compelling, it faces some tough competition from iconic Disney tunes, pop divas, and other top-notch musicians. Even if you’re not a fan of the films accompanying these songs, they’re bound to evoke some emotional memory of karaoke nights, choreographies, or love declarations.
Now, some of the songs on this list feature a sad or dramatic edge, so you might want to keep your tissues close. If you’re a fan of emotional outbursts caused by an artistic experience, then check out our list on the 7 Movies that will make you cry, to get those tears rolling like waterfalls. In the meantime, for the music lovers amongst you, here’s our compilation of the best Oscar-winning songs ever.
6. “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”
Year: 1994
Movie: The Lion King
Music: Elton John; Lyrics: Tim Rice
When Walt Disney’s The Lion King appeared on the big screen, it instantly conquered children and adults’ hearts alike. What made the movie so appealing, apart from its storyline and characters, was the original score, composed in the most part by Tim Rice and Elton John. However, this song stood out from the rest, due to its romantic delivery.
5. “Over the Rainbow”
Year: 1939
Movie: The Wizard of Oz
Music: Harold Arlen; Lyrics: Yip Harburg
When Judy Garland first lent her voice to “Over the Rainbow” for The Wizard of Oz, she probably didn’t think it would become her signature song or that several decades later it would still overwhelm her with emotion. Nonetheless, it’s done that and more, bringing the audience to tears every time they visualize their dreams to Judy’s tender tone.
4. “Moon River”
Year: 1961
Movie: Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Music: Henri Mancini; Lyrics: Johnny Mercer
No film buff could possibly forget this charming scene of Audrey Hepburn, sitting outside her Manhattan apartment window and crooning dreamily into the night, only to be interrupted by her love interest. While the song became famous through Hepburn’s performance in the movie, Andy Williams’ rendition at the 1962 Academy Awards gave the song a new colour palette, making it his signature tune.
3. “Theme from Shaft”
Year: 1971
Movie: Shaft
Music and lyrics: Isaac Hayes
Without a doubt the funkiest tune on our list of the best Oscar-winning songs is Isaac Hayes’ “Theme from Shaft”. The fact that this song is award-worthy is almost a given, and it has become a truly iconic track over the years. Another fun fact: Hayes accepted his golden statue wearing a shearling tuxedo with fur collar.
2. “Lose Yourself”
Year: 2002
Movie: 8 Mile
Music and Lyrics: Marshall Mathers, Luis Resto, Jeff Bass
Some might think that the Academy Award committee is too one-sided with their musical choices when it comes to the Best Song category, but Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” proved otherwise. Although Marshall Mathers wasn’t particularly interested in the award ceremony itself, he did pour his heart and soul into producing this song, so the effort definitely paid off.
1. “The Way We Were”
Year: 1973
Movie: The Way We Were
Music: Marvin Hamlisch; Lyrics: Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman
Any song sung by Barbara Streisand is bound to be magical and full of life, but given that this track was the pop diva’s first commercially successful single, as it landed her a No.1 spot on the charts in the U.S., it’s particularly special. In addition to this, the fact that in the movie she’s singing about her failed relationship with Robert Redford is quite heart-breaking (especially for the thousands of women that wanted to see her “get the guy”). Without a doubt, one of the best Oscar-winning songs ever.
