Exploring the 2023 Oscar-Nominated Songs: From 'The Spark Within' to 'Just Me, Ken'

A Guide to the 2024 Oscar Songs from The Fire Inside to Im Just Ken

Ryan Gosling, Becky G Ruby Wallau/Getty Images(2);Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Get ready for a star-studded performance at the 2024 Academy Awards! Instead of the Grammys, this time Billie Eilish, Becky G, Jon Batiste, and Mark Ronson will be taking the stage to entertain the audience.

The upcoming March 10 ceremony will highlight the original music featured in popular movies from the past year. The Best Original Song category includes two nominees from the Barbie soundtrack, which had a strong presence at the 2024 Grammys as well. It's a night to celebrate the music that brings cinematic wonders to life!

Eilish’s song "What Was I Made For?" won a Grammy and is a strong contender to win her and Finneas O’Connell their second Oscar. The duo previously won in 2022 for the theme song of No Time to Die.

Ryan Gosling delivered an impressive performance of "I’m Just Ken" in Barbie. However, he would not receive the award if the song wins. This is because the Best Original Song award recognizes the songwriters, unless the performers have contributed to the music or lyrics. If "Kenough" wins, the award will be given to Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt. Wyatt previously won the Best Original Song award in 2019 for "Shallow" from A Star is Born.

Scroll on to get a full rundown of this year’s nominees and who’s performing wat at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on March 10.

Diane Warren, ‘The Fire Inside’

A Guide to the 2024 Oscar Songs from The Fire Inside to Im Just Ken

Steve Granitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Flamin’ Hot faced criticism for its accuracy when the LA Times and NPR questioned the film's claim that Richard Montañez created Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Despite this, Becky G's performance of Dianne Warren's song "The Fire Inside" at the Academy Awards left a lasting impression.

Dianne Warren, a highly successful and respected songwriter in modern music history, is best known for writing Aerosmith's hit song "I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing," which was also previously nominated for Best Original Song. With 15 nominations but no wins at the Oscars, Warren was finally recognized for her contributions in 2022 with an Honorary Award.

Becky G will appear at the show to perform “The First Inside.”

Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, ‘I’m Just Ken’

A Guide to the 2024 Oscar Songs from The Fire Inside to Im Just Ken

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Critics Choice Association

Ken is always causing trouble. Fans were upset when Greta Gerwig and Margot Robbie didn't receive nominations. However, Ryan Gosling did get nominated for Best Supporting Actor, and his performance contributed to Ronson and Wyatt receiving a Best Original Song nomination.

Although Gosling's performance at the Oscars with Ronson will be a highlight for fans like Ken, Billie Eilish is the frontrunner to win Best Original Song.

Jon Batiste and Dan Wilson, ‘It Never Went Away’

American Symphony is a documentary that tells the story of Jon Batiste's journey to becoming a prominent figure in the music industry. Throughout this journey, he supported his wife, Suleika Jaouad, in her battle against acute myeloid leukemia. The film received positive reviews from critics and won several awards, including a Critics' Choice Award for Best Score for Batiste. He is set to perform the song "It Never Went Away" at the 2024 Oscars.

Scott George, ‘Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)’

Scott George achieved a milestone by receiving a nomination for his song "Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)" featured in Martin Scorsese's movie Killers of the Flower Moon. The film tells the story of a tragic series of murders of Osage tribe members following the discovery of oil on their land.

George's nomination for an Academy Award has made him the first person of Osage descent to receive such an honor. In an interview with Osage News, he expressed that the words of the song nominated are simple, with a message to "stand up" and acknowledge that God has made a way for them. The song reflects the struggles and challenges faced by their people, both in the past and present. George believes that without God's help, they wouldn't be where they are today, and he encourages his community to stand up and take pride in their heritage.

George, along with the Osage Singers, will have the opportunity to perform the nominated song at the 2024 Academy Awards.

Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell, ‘What Was I Made For?’

A Guide to the 2024 Oscar Songs from The Fire Inside to Im Just Ken

After watching a private screening of Barbie's early footage, Eilish and her brother, Finneas, wrote the emotional song "What Was I Made For?" The song received an Oscar nomination and also won several awards, including Best Song Written for Visual Media and Song of the Year at the 2024 Grammys.

Eilish expressed her gratitude for the recognition the song has received, dedicating it to those who feel hopeless and lost, questioning the purpose of their existence. She emphasized the importance of being patient with oneself and finding value in life, admitting that she had struggled with these feelings for a long time.

In 2024, Eilish and O’Connell are set to perform the song at the Academy Awards.

Editor's P/S:

The upcoming 2024 Academy Awards promises an exceptional musical showcase, featuring renowned artists and captivating original songs from beloved films. From Billie Eilish's emotional and introspective "What Was I Made For?" to Jon Batiste's heartfelt "It Never Went Away," each nominee brings a unique and poignant musical contribution to the evening. The inclusion of Scott George's "Wahzhazhe (A Song for My People)" marks a significant milestone in the recognition of Native American talent and storytelling, highlighting the power of music to convey cultural identity and historical struggles.

The article also sheds light on the intricacies of the Best Original Song category, where the recognition primarily goes to the songwriters unless the performers have significant contributions to the music or lyrics. It's intriguing to note that Ryan Gosling's impressive performance of "I'm Just Ken" will not directly impact the song's chances of winning, as the award would go to Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, the song's creators. This distinction underscores the collaborative nature of filmmaking and the importance of recognizing the contributions of all involved in bringing a musical vision to life.