The Academy Awards are coming up soon with a new list of exceptional winners, next month. But before that, let’s take a look at the best Oscar winning soundtracks of the last decade that took the trophy home. From Adele to Billie Eilish, you will find many famous artists who created some spectacular masterpieces that elevated the movies they were part of and brought great recognition to the artists.
10 Best Oscar Winning Soundtracks of the Last Decade
Skyfall: Skyfall by Adele & Paul Epworth (2012)
Performed by Adele, this is the first Bond film theme that won an Academy Award for Best Original Song. The song is highly acclaimed because it aptly captures the mood and style of the other Bond themes, also keeping the plot of the film in mind and giving dark and moody lyrics – that feel tailormade just for the film.
Frozen: Let It Go by Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez (2013)
Let It Go is officially every kid’s anthem once they get acquainted with the film Frozen. Performed by Idina Menzel, this iconic song is seen when Elsa’s secret powers have just been revealed and she flees Arendelle and unleashes her magic, creating a breathtaking ice palace.
The film was such a commercial success that it was the first song from a Disney animated musical to reach the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 since 1995 when Vanessa L. Williams’s Colors of the Wind from Pocahontas reached number four on the chart.
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Selma: Glory by Common & John Legend (2014)
Glory is performed by rapper Common and singer John Legend for the film Selma, which is based on the 1965 Selma to Montgomery voting rights marches initiated and directed by James Bevel and led by Martin Luther King Jr., Hosea Williams, and John Lewis. Along with the Academy, it also won an award for Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards.
Spectre: Writing’s on the Wall by Jimmy Napes & Sam Smith (2015)
Writing’s on the Wall performed by Sam Smith is the second Bond theme song to win an Academy Award. The song was written by Smith and Jimmy Napes, and produced by the latter alongside Steve Fitzmaurice and Disclosure.
La La Land: City of Stars by Justin Hurwitz & Benj Pasek & Justin Paul (2016)
City of Stars, performed by Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in the film La La Land is that one song that everyone tried to play on their guitars and ukelele. The music of the song was composed by Justin Hurwitz while the lyrics were provided by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul.
La La Land tells the story of Mia (Emma Stone), an aspiring actress, and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), a dedicated jazz musician, who are struggling to make ends meet in a city known for crushing hopes and breaking hearts. Set in modern-day Los Angeles, this original musical about everyday life explores the joy and pain of pursuing your dreams.
Coco: Remember Me by Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez (2017)
Let it Go songwriters worked their magic again with the song that touched many hearts and connect the different generations in the film. The song is performed variously within the film by Benjamin Bratt, Gael García Bernal, Anthony Gonzalez, and Ana Ofelia Murguía. Miguel and Natalia Lafourcade performed a pop version of the song that is featured in the film’s end credits.
A Star is Born: Shallow by Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson, Anthony Rossomando & Andrew Wyatt (2018)
Shallow definitely topped many playlists as soon as it was released but it also shows a pivotal moment in the film when Jackson calls upon Ally to perform with him. The lyrics also show that they are asking each other if they are happy being who they are. It is a power ballad that blends rock, country and folk-pop.
A Star is Born follows seasoned musician Jackson Maine (Bradley Cooper) who discovers and falls in love with struggling artist Ally (Lady Gaga). She has just about given up on her dream to make it big as a singer until Jack coaxes her into the spotlight. But even as Ally’s career takes off, the personal side of their relationship is breaking down, as Jack fights an ongoing battle with his own internal demons.
Rocketman: (I’m Gonna) Love Me Again by Elton John, Taron Egerton & Bernie Taupin (2019)
Rocketman is an epic musical fantasy about Elton John, which is personified on screen by Taron Egerton – who not only plays Elton in the film but also sings the entire soundtrack, which includes Your Song, Tiny Dancer and many more. The film shows how a shy, small-town boy becomes one of the most iconic figures in rock and roll.
Judas and the Black Messiah: Fight For You by D’Mile, H.E.R. & Tiara Thomas (2020)
Fight For you from the movie Judas and the Black Messiah is co-written by H.E.R. and Tiara Thomas, also co-composed and co-produced with D’Mile. The song received Best Traditional R&B Performance at Grammys and a Golden Globe.
In Judas and the Black Messiah, FBI informant William O’Neal infiltrates the Illinois Black Panther Party and is tasked with keeping tabs on their charismatic leader, Chairman Fred Hampton. A career thief, O’Neal revels in the danger of manipulating both his comrades and his handler, Special Agent Roy Mitchell. Hampton’s political prowess grows just as he’s falling in love with fellow revolutionary Deborah Johnson. Meanwhile, battle wages for O’Neal’s soul.
No Time to Die: No Time to Die by Billie Eilish & Finneas O’Connell (2021)
It’s such a coincidence that the list started with a James Bond movie theme song and is ending with the same. Performed and written by Billie Eilish along with her brother and collaborator, Finneas O’Connell, the song features orchestration by Hans Zimmer and was produced by Finneas O’Connell and Stephen Lipson.
In this movie, Daniel Craig returns one last time as James Bond; starring alongside Rami Malek. Bond has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica. However, he is indulged in a mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist. Winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song, it is the third-ever and third consecutive Bond theme song to win an Oscar.
While the nominations of this year’s 95th Academy Awards include original soundtracks from acclaimed films like Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (Lift Me Up), Everything Everywhere All at Once (This Is a Life), Tell It Like a Woman (Applause), Top Gun: Maverick (Hold My Hand) and RRR (Naatu Naatu). It will be interesting to see whose soundtrack gets the recognition this year.
Which of the above-mentioned songs is your favourite? Let us know in the comment section below.
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