Academy Award Winners for Best Song 1955-2010

(Note:  Only nominations pertaining to rock acts are listed.)

1955:  "Love Is a Many Splendored Thing", by the Four Aces from the movie of the same name, Music by Sammy Fain, Lyrics by Paul Francis Webster.

1956:  "Whatever Will Be, Will Be (Que Sera, Sera), by Doris Day from The Man Who Knew Too Much, Music and Lyrics by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans


1957:  "All the Way", by Frank Sinatra from The Joker Is Wild, Music by James Van Heusen, Lyrics by Sammy Cahn

Also Nominated:  "April Love", by Pat Boone from the movie of the same name, Music by Sammy Fain, Lyrics by Paul Francis Webster.  "Tammy", by Debbie Reynolds*, from the movie Tammy and the Bachelor, Music and Lyrics by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans. 

*Olivia Newton-John has said that her singing of "Hopelessly Devoted to You" in Grease was inspired by Reynolds' performance of "Tammy".

1958:  "Gigi", by Louis Jourdan from the film of the same name.  Music by Frederick Loewe, Lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner.


Also Nominated:  "A Certain Smile", by Johnny Mathis from the film of the same name.  Music by Sammy Fain, Lyrics by Paul Francis Webster.  "A Very Precious Love", by the Ames Brothers from the film Marjorie Morningstar, Music by Sammy Fain, Lyrics by Paul Francis Webster.

1959:  "High Hopes", by Frank Sinatra from the film A Hole in the Head.  Music by JamesVan Heusen, Lyrics by Sammy Cahn.

1960:  "Never on Sunday", by Melina Mercouri from the film of the same name.  The song became a hit for Don Costa.  Music and Lyrics by Manos Hadjiidakis.

1961:  "Moon River", by Audrey Hepburn from the film Breakfast at Tiffany's.  Music by Henry Mancini, Lyrics by Johnny Mercer.  Became a hit for Andy Williams.

Also Nominated:  "A Town Without Pity", by Gene Pitney from the film Town Without Pity.  Music by Dimitri Tiomkin, Lyrics by Ned Washington. 

1962:  "Days of Wine and Roses", by Andy Williams from the incredible film of the same name.  Music by Henry Mancini, Lyrics by Johnny Mercer.

Also Nominated:  "Walk on the Wild Side", by Brook Benton from the film of the same name.  Music by Elmer Bernstein, Lyrics by Mack David.

1963:  "Call Me Irresponsible", from the film Papa's Delicate Condition.  Frank Sinatra had a hit with the song.  Music by James Van Heusen, Lyrics by Sammy Cahn.

1964:  Chim Chim Cher-ee", by Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke from the film Mary Poppins.  Music and Lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman.


Also Nominated:  "Dear Heart" from the movie of the same name.  Music by Henry Mancini, Lyrics by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans.  The song became a hit for Andy Williams.  "Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte" from the film of the same name.  Music by Frank DeVol, Lyrics by Mack David.  The song became a hit for Patti Page.  "My Kind of Town", by Frank Sinatra from the film Robin and the 7 Hoods.  Music by James Van Heusen, Lyrics by Sammy Cahn.

1965:  "The Shadow of Your Smile", an instrumental featuring a trumpet solo by Jack Sheldon from the film The Sandpiper.  It became a hit for Tony Bennett.  Music by Johnny Mandel, Lyrics by Paul Francis Webster.

Also Nominated:  "What's New Pussycat?", by Tom Jones from the film of the same name.  Music by Burt Bacharach, Lyrics by Hal David.

1966:  "Born Free", by Matt Monro from the film of the same name.  Music by John Barry, Lyrics by Don Black.  The song became a hit for Andy Williams.

Also Nominated:  "Alfie", by Cilla Black from the film of the same name.  Music by Burt Bacharach, Lyrics by Hal David.  The song became a big hit for Dionne Warwick.  "Georgy Girl", by the Seekers from the film of the same name.  Music by Tom Springfield, Lyrics by Jim Dale.

1967:  "Talk to the Animals", by Rex Harrison from the film Doctor Dolittle.  Music and Lyrics by Leslie Bricusse.

Also Nominated:  "The Look of Love", by Dusty Springfield from the film Casino Royale.  Music by Burt Bacharach, Lyrics by Hal Davis.

1968:  "Windmills of Your Mind", by Dusty Springfield from the film The Thomas Crown Affair.  Music by Michel Legrand, Lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman.


Also Nominated:  "Funny Girl", by Barbra Streisand from the film of the same name.  Music by Julie Styne, Lyrics by Bob Merrill.

1969:  "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head", by B.J. Thomas from the film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.  Music by Burt Bacharach, Lyrics by Hal David.


Also Nominated:  "Come Saturday Morning", by the Sandpipers from the film The Sterile Cuckoo.  Music by Fred Karlin, Lyrics by Dory Previn.  "Jean", by Oliver from the film The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.  Music and Lyrics by Rod McKuen.

1970:  "For All We Know", by the Carpenters from the film Lovers and Other Strangers.  Music by Fred Karlin, Lyrics by Robb Royer and Jimmy Griffin.

1971:  "Theme from Shaft", by Isaac Hayes from the film Shaft.  Music and Lyrics by Isaac Hayes.


Also Nominated:  "Bless the Beasts and the Children", by the Carpenters from the film of the same name.  Music and Lyrics by Barry DeVorzon and Perry Botkin, Jr.

1972:  "The Morning After", by Renee Armand, whose voice is dubbed over the character played by Carol Lynley from the film The Poseidon Adventure.  The song became a #1 song for Maureen McGovern.   Music and Lyrics by Al Kasha and Joel Hirschhorn. 

Also Nominated:  "Ben", by Michael Jackson from the film of the same name.  Music by Walter Scharf, Lyrics by Don Black.

1973:  "The Way We Were", by Barbra Streisand from the film of the same name.  Music by Marvin Hamlisch, Lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman.

Also Nominated:  "Live and Let Die", by Paul McCartney & Wings from the film of the same name.  Music by Paul McCartney, Lyrics by Paul and Linda McCartney. 

1974:  "We May Never Love Like This Again", by Maureen McGovern from the film The Towering Inferno.  Music and Lyrics by Al Kasha and Joel Hirschhorn.

1975:  "I'm Easy", by Keith Carradine from the film Nashville.  Music and Lyrics by Keith Carradine.


Also Nominated:  "How Lucky Can You Get", by Barbra Streisand from the film Funny Lady.  Music and Lyrics by Fred Ebb and John Kander.  "Theme from Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To)", by Diana Ross from the film Mahogany.  Music by Michael Masser, Lyrics by Gerry Goffin.

1976:  "Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born)", by Barbra Streisand from A Star Is Born.  Music by Barbra Streisand, Lyrics by Paul Williams. 

Also Nominated:  "Gonna' Fly Now", by Bill Conti from the film Rocky.  The song became a huge hit for Maynard Ferguson.  Music by Bill Conti, Lyrics by Carol Connors and Ayn Robbins.

1977:  "You Light Up My Life", by Debby Boone from the film of the same name.  Music and Lyrics by Joseph Brooks.


Also Nominated:  "Nobody Does It Better", by Carly Simon from the film The Spy Who Loved Me.  Music by Marvin Hamlisch, Lyrics by Carole Bayer Sager. 

1978:  "Last Dance", by Donna Summer from the film Thank God It's Friday.  Music and Lyrics by Paul Jabara.

Also Nominated:  "Ready To Take a Chance Again", by Barry Manilow from the great comedy Foul Play.  Music by Charles Fox, Lyrics by Norman Gimbel.  "Hopelessly Devoted To You", by Olivia Newton-John from the film Grease.  Music and Lyrics by John Farrar.

1979:  "It Goes Like It Goes", by Jennifer Warnes from the film Norma Rae.  Music by David Shire, Lyrics by Norman Gimbel.

Also Nominated:  "Looking Through the Eyes of Love", by Melissa Manchester from the film Ice Castles.  Music by Marvin Hamlisch, Lyrics by Carole Bayer Sager.  "The Rainbow Connection", by Kermit the Frog (Jim Henson) from the film The Muppet Movie.  Music and Lyrics by Paul Williams and Kenneth Ascher.

1980:  "Fame", by Irene Cara from the film of the same name.  Music by Michael Gore, Lyrics by Dean Pitchford.

Also Nominated:  "Out Here On My Own", by Irene Cara from the film Fame.  Music by Michael Gore, Lyrics by Lesley Gore.  "On the Road Again", by Willie Nelson from the film Honeysuckle Rose.  Music and Lyrics by Willie Nelson.  "Nine to Five", by Dolly Parton from the film of the same name.  Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton.

1981:  "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)", by Christopher Cross from the film Arthur.  Music and Lyrics by Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager, Christopher Cross and Peter Allen.

Also Nominated:  "Endless Love", by Diana Ross & Lionel Richie from the film of the same name.  Music and Lyrics by Lionel Richie.  "For Your Eyes Only", by Sheena Easton from the film of the same name.  Music by Bill Conti, Lyrics by Mick Leeson. 

1982:  "Up Where We Belong", by Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes from the classic film An Officer and a Gentleman.  Music by Jack Nitzsche and Buffy Sainte-Marie, Lyrics by Will Jennings.

Also Nominated:  "How Do You Keep the Music Playing?" by James Ingram and Patti Austin from the film Best Friends.  Music by Michel Legrand, Lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman.  "Eye of the Tiger", by Survivor from the film Rocky III.  Music and Lyrics by Jim Peterik and Frankie Sullivan.  "It Might Be You", by Stephen Bishop from the film Tootsie.  Music by Dave Grusin, Lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman.

1983:  "Flashdance...What a Feeling", by Irene Cara from the film Flashdance.  Music by Giorgio Moroder, Lyrics by Keith Forsey and Irene Cara.

Also Nominated:  "Maniac", by Michael Sembello from the film Flashdance.  Music and Lyrics by Michael Sembello and Dennis Matkosky.  "Papa, Can You Hear Me?", by Barbra Streisand from the film Yentl.  Music by Michel Legrand, Lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman.  "The Way He Makes Me Feel", by Barbra Streisand from the film Yentl.  Music by Michel Legrand, Lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman.

1984 (Probably the best year ever for movie music):  "I Just Called to Say I Love You", by Stevie Wonder from the film The Woman in Red.  Music and Lyrics by Stevie Wonder.

Also Nominated:  "Against All Odds", by Phil Collins from the film of the same name.  Music and Lyrics by Phil Collins.  "Footloose", by Kenny Loggins from the film of the same name.  Music and Lyrics by Kenny Loggins and Dean Pitchford.  "Let's Hear It for the Boy", by Deniece Williams from the film Footloose.  Music and Lyrics by Tom Snow and Dean Pitchford.  "Ghostbusters", by Ray Parker, Jr. from the film of the same name.  Music and Lyrics by Ray Parker, Jr.

1985:  "Say You, Say Me", by Lionel Richie from the film White Nights.  Music and Lyrics by Lionel Richie.

Also Nominated:  "The Power of Love", by Huey Lewis and the News from the film Back to the Future.  Music by Chris Hayes and Johnny Colla, Lyrics by Huey Lewis.  "Separate Lives", by Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin from the film White Nights.  Music and Lyrics by Stephen Bishop.

1986:  "Take My Breath Away", by Berlin from the film Top Gun.  Music by Giorgio Moroder, Lyrics by Tom Whitlock.

"Somewhere Out There", by Linda Ronstadt and James Ingram from the film An American Tail.  Music by James Horner, Lyrics by Cynthia Weil.  "Glory of Love", by Peter Cetera from the film The Karate Kid, Part II.  Music by Peter Cetera and David Foster, Lyrics by Peter Cetera and Diane Nini.

1987:  "(I've Had) The Time of My Life", by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes from the film Dirty Dancing.  Music by Franke Previte, John DeNicola and Donald Markowitz, Lyrics by Franke Previte.

Also Nominated:  "Shakedown", by Bob Seger from the film Beverly Hills Cop II.  Music by Harold Faltermeyer and Keith Forsey, Lyrics by Harold Faltermeyer, Keith Forsey and Bob Seger.  "Nothing's Gonna' Stop Us Now", by Starship from the film Mannequin.  Music and Lyrics by Albert Hammond and Diane Warren.

1988:  "Let the River Run', by Carly Simon from the film Working Girl.  Music and Lyrics by Carly Simon.

Also Nominated:  "Two Hearts", by Phil Collins from the film Buster.  Music by Lamont Dozier, Lyrics by Phil Collins.

1989:  "Under the Sea", by Samuel E. Wright from the film The Little Mermaid.  Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Howard Ashman.

Also Nominated:  "After All", by Cher and Peter Cetera from the film Chances Are.  Music by Tom Snow, Lyrics by Dean Pitchford.

1990:  "Sooner or Later (I Always Get My Man)", by Madonna from the film Dick Tracy.  Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

Also Nominated:  "Blaze of Glory", by Jon Bon Jovi from the film Young Guns II.  Music and Lyrics by Jon Bon Jovi.

1991:  "Beauty and the Beast", performed in the movie by Angela Lansbury and played during the credits by Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson in the film of the same name.  Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Howard Ashman. 

Also Nominated:  "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You", by Bryan Adams from the film Robin Hood:  Prince of Thieves.  Music by Michael Kamen, Lyrics by Bryan Adams and Robert John Lange.

1992:  "A Whole New World", by Brad Kane and Lea Salonga from the film Aladdin.  Peabo Bryson and Regina Belle had a huge #1 hit with it later.  Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Howard Ashman.

Also Nominated:  "I Have Nothing", by Whitney Houston from the film The Bodyguard.  Music by David Foster, Lyrics by Linda Thompson.  "Run to You", by Whitney Houston from the film The Bodyguard.  Music by Jud Friedman, Lyrics by Allan Rich.  (Note:  "I Will Always Love You", by Whitney Houston, also from The Bodyguard, and one of the top songs in the history of music, was NOT nominated.

1993:  "Streets of Philadelphia", by Bruce Springsteen from the film Philadelphia.  Music and Lyrics by Bruce Springsteen.

Also Nominated:  "Philadelphia", by Neil Young from the movie of the same name.  Music and Lyrics by Neil Young.  "The Day I Fall in Love", by James Ingram and Dolly Parton from the movie Beethoven's 2nd.  Music and Lyrics by Carole Bayer Sager, James Ingram and Cliff Magness.  "Again", by Janet Jackson from the film Poetic Justice.  Music and Lyrics by Janet Jackson, James Harris III and Terry Lewis.

1994:  "Can You Feel the Love Tonight", by Elton John from the film The Lion King.  Music by Elton John, Lyrics by Tim Rice.

Also Nominated:  "Look What Love Has Done", by Patty Smyth from the film Junior.  Music and Lyrics by Carole Bayer Sager, James Newton Howard, James Ingram and Patty Smyth.  "Circle of Life", by Elton John from the film The Lion King.  Music by Elton John, Lyrics by Tim Rice.

1995:  "Colors of the Wind", by Judy Kuhn as performed in the film, the version by Vanessa Williams, which was the hit, is heard over the movie credits in the film Pocahontas.  Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.


Also Nominated:  "Dead Man Walking", by Bruce Springsteen from the film of the same name.  Music and Lyrics by Bruce Springsteen.  "Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?", by Bryan Adams from the film Don Juan DeMarco.  Music by Michael Kamen, Lyrics by Bryan Adams and Robert John Lange.  "Moonlight", by Sting from the film Sabrina.  Music by John Williams, Lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman.

1996:  "You Must Love Me", by Madonna from the film Evita.  Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Lyrics by Tim Rice.

Also Nominated:  "I Finally Found Someone", by Barbra Streisand and Bryan Adams from the film The Mirror Has Two Faces.  "For the First Time", by Kenny Loggins from the film One Fine Day.  Music and Lyrics by James Newton Howard, Jud J. Friedman and Allan Dennis Rich.  "Because You Loved Me", by Celine Dion from the film Up Close & Personal.  Music and Lyrics by Diane Warren.

1997:  "My Heart Will Go On", by Celine Dion from the all-time classic film Titanic.  Music by James Horner, Lyrics by Will Jennings.

Also Nominated:  "Journey to the Past", by Liz Callaway from the film Anastasia.  The song became a hit for Aaliyah.  Music by Stephen Flaherty, Lyrics by Lynn Ahrens.  "How Do I Live", by LeAnn Rimes from the film Con Air.  Music and Lyrics by Diane Warren.  "Go The Distance", by Roger Bart, with Michael Bolton's version heard over the movie credits for the film Hercules.  Music by Alan Menken, Lyrics by David Zippel.       

1998:  "When You Believe", by Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston from the film The Prince of Egypt.  Music and Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.

Also Nominated:  "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing", by Aerosmith from the film Armageddon.  Music and Lyrics by Diane Warren.  "The Prayer", by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli from the film Quest for Camelot.  Music by Carole Bayer Sager and David Foster, Lyrics by Carole Bayer Sager, David Foster, Tony Renis and Alberto Testa. 

1999:  "You'll Be in My Heart", by Phil Collins from the film Tarzan.  Music and Lyrics by Phil Collins.

Also Nominated:  "Save Me", by Aimee Mann from the film Magnolia.  Music and Lyrics by Aimee Mann.  "Music of My Heart" by Gloria Estefan and 'N Sync from the film of the same name. 

2000:  "Things Have Changed", by Bob Dylan from the film Wonder Boys.  Music and Lyrics by Bob Dylan. 

Also Nominated:  "My Funny Friend and Me", by Sting from the film The Emperor's New Groove.  Music by Sting and David Hartley, Lyrics by Sting.  "A Fool in Love", by Randy Newman and Susanna Hoffs from the film Meet the Parents.  Music and Lyrics by Randy Newman.

2001:  "If I Didn't Have You", by John Goodman and Billy Crystal from the great animated film Monsters, Inc.  Music and Lyrics by Randy Newman.

Also Nominated:  "Until", by Sting from the film Kate & Leopold.  Music and Lyrics by Sting.  "May It Be", by Enya from the film The Lord of the Rings:  The Fellowship of the Ring.  Music and Lyrics by Enya, Nicky Ryan and Roma Ryan.  "There You'll Be", by Faith Hill from the film Pearl Harbor.  Music and Lyrics by Diane Warren.  "Vanilla Sky", by Paul McCartney from the film of the same name.  Music and Lyrics by Paul McCartney.

2002:  "Lose Yourself", by Eminem from the film 8 Mile.  Music by Eminem, Jeff Bass and Luis Resto, Lyrics by Eminen. 

Also Nominated:  "The Hands That Built America", by U2 from the film Gangs of New York.  Music and Lyrics by Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen, Jr.  "Father and Daughter", by Paul Simon from the film The Wild Thornberrys Movie.  Music and Lyrics by Paul Simon. 

2003:  "Into the West", by Annie Lennox from the film The Lord of the Rings:  The Return of the King.  Music and Lyrics by Fran Walsh, Howard Shore and Annie Lennox.

Also Nominated:  "You Will Be My Ain True Love", by Sting and Allison Krauss from the film Cold Mountain.  Music and Lyrics by Sting.

2004:  "Al otro lado del rio", by Jorge Drexler from the film The Motorcycle Diaries.  Music and Lyrics by Jorge Drexler. 

Also Nominated:  "Believe", by Josh Groban from the film The Polar Express.  Music and Lyrics by Glen Ballard and Alan Silvestri.  "Accidentally in Love", by the Counting Crows from the film Shrek 2.  Music by Adam Duritz, Charlie Gillingham, Jim Bogios, David Immergluck, Matthew Malley and David Bryson, Lyrics by Adam Duritz and Daniel Vickrey.

2005:  "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp", performed in the film by Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson from the film Hustle & Flow.  It later became a hit for Three 6 Mafia.  Music and Lyrics by Jordan Houston, Cedric Cleman and Paul Beauregard. 


Also Nominated:  "Travelin' Thru", by Dolly Parton from the film Transamerica.  Music and Lyrics by Dolly Parton. 

2006:  "I Need to Wake Up", by Melissa Etheridge from the film An Inconvenient Truth.  Music and Lyrics by Melissa Etheridge.

Also Nominated "Our Town", by James Taylor from the film Cars.  Music and Lyrics by Randy Newman.

2007:  "Falling Slowly", by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova and also The Frames from the film Once.  Music and Lyrics by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova.

2008:  "Jai Ho", by Mahalakshmi Iyer, Tanvi Shah, Vijay Prakash and Sukhwinder Singh from the film Slumdog Millionaire.  Music by A.R. Rahman, Lyrics by A.R. Rahman and Maya Arulpragasam.

Also Nominated:  "Down to Earth", by Peter Gabriel and the Soweto Gospel Choir from the film WALL-E.  Music by Peter Gabriel and Thomas Newman, Lyrics by Peter Gabriel.

2009:  "The Weary Kind", versions performed by Colin Farrell and Jeff Bridges with Ryan Bingham and Dead Horses from the film Crazy Heart.  Music and Lyrics by Ryan Bingham and T-Bone Burnett.

 Also Nominated:  "Almost There", by Anika Noni Rose from the film The Princess and the Frog.  Music and Lyrics by Randy Newman.  "Down in New Orleans", by Dr. John from the film The Princess and the Frog.  Music and Lyrics by Randy Newman.

2010:  "We Belong Together", by Randy Newman from the film Toy Story 3.  Music and Lyrics by Randy Newman. 

Also Nominated:  "If I Rise", by Dido and A.R. Rahman from the film 127 Hours.  Music by A.R. Rahman, Lyrics by Dido and Rollo Armstrong.