Unearthly Skill: 'Sinners,' 'KPop Demon Hunters' and 'Wicked: For Good' Compete in Crowded Original Song Oscar Race

The track Golden from KPop Demon Hunters continues to dominate discussions among awards analysts thanks to its widespread acclaim and commercial success. With voting set to begin soon, attention is turning toward other contenders that could join it on this years Oscar shortlist.

The most significant challengers come from two major releases: Sinners and Wicked: For Good. Two-time Academy Award winner Ludwig Gransson co-wrote both blues-driven songs from Sinners, titled I Lied to You and Last Time (I Seen the Sun), all performed on screen by Miles Caton. Each track has gained momentum as standout musical moments within Ryan Cooglers period drama.

Part two of Wicked: For Good introduces two fresh compositions by three-time Oscar recipient Stephen Schwartz. Cynthia Erivo delivers No Place Like Home as Elphaba, while Ariana Grande brings emotional buoyancy to The Girl in the Bubble as Glinda. With both songs featured directly in the storyline, their visibility within the awards race is significant.

Pop superstars are also shaping the category. Miley Cyrus contributes Dream as One for Avatar: Fire and Ash, while Shakira energizes Zootopia 2 with the upbeat dance single Zoo. From Tron: Ares, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross enter As Alive as You Need Me to Be, a rock anthem driven by Reznors vocals. Ed Sheeran also returns with the hard-edged Drive for F1.

Nick Cave teams with Bryce Dessner on the poignant title piece Train Dreams, marking a promising opportunity for recognition following strong critical response to the film. Spike Lees Highest 2 Lowest presents two contenders: the finale number performed by Aiyana-Lee, and the forceful track Trunks delivered by A$AP Rocky.

Additional entries include Stolen Tale from Hedda by Hildur Gunadttir and Nia DaCosta, as well as Daniel Blumbergs Clothed by the Sun, sung with Amanda Seyfried in The Testament of Ann Lee. Indie group Japanese Breakfast offers a surprise possibility with My Baby (Got Nothing at All) from the romantic comedy Materialists.

Documentary releases face steeper recognition challenges, though several contenders stand out. Diane Warren returns with Dear Me, sung by Kesha, while Billy Idol collaborates with J. Ralph on Dying to Live. Operatic range enters the conversation through Ana Maria Martinez with Sweet Dreams of Joy, and Sara Bareilles and Brandi Carlile join forces on Salt Then Sour Then Sweet for Come See Me in the Good Light.

Oscar voting begins December 8, with the official shortlist announcement scheduled for December 16.

Author: Ethan Caldwell