Music

The 10 Best Oscar Musical Moments

by Barry Taylor

It’s Oscar night. A time to bring together family and friends for an evening of entertainment and celebratory dips. While the focus of the ceremony belongs to the film industry, there’s also some great musical content throughout the night. In honor of the big event we present the 10 best musical moments in Oscar history.

10. Ben by Michael Jackson
Film: Ben

It’s always surreal to see Michael Jackson pre-plastic surgery. This performance is from the 1973 Academy Awards. Jackson was fourteen at the time. The amount of natural talent he displays at such a young age is incredible.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqU1VywcZBM

9. I’ve Seen it All by Bjork
Film: Dancer in the Dark

Nice song. Nice performance too. But it’s hard to take a performer seriously when they’re singing with what looks like a piece of roadkill draped around their body. Goose necks aren’t supposed to fold like that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnEJUio2DiE

8. Sooner or Later by Madonna
Film: Dick Tracy

Good lord this is sexy. It’s no wonder that Warren Beatty starting dating the Queen of Pop during the making of this film. The age difference was a little weird, but in Warren’s defense he probably thought she was Marilyn Monroe.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8c8R2gQ3RE

7. It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp by Three 6 Mafia
Film: Hustle and Flow

If there’s one thing that the Academy can appreciate, it’s the fact that it’s hard out there for a pimp. Seeing everyone laugh as the song is declared the winner is great.

6. Dreamgirls by Jennifer Hudson and Beyonce
Film: Dreamgirls

An amazing showcase of talent from two of the finest vocalists in music.

**Question: Is that a nipple appearance at the 2:02 mark?

5. Philadelphia by Neil Young
Film: Philadelphia

The soundtrack for Philadelphia features rock and roll heavyweights like Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen, and Daniel Lanois. There’s even a version of CCR’s Have You Ever Seen the Rain performed by the Spin Doctors. Huge.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmaCQ4-2T5I

4. Blaze of Glory by Bon Jovi
Film: Young Guns II

It doesn’t matter if you’re a cowboy on the run from the law or a dancer going on stage for your third song, this jam is goddamn awesome. So is Bon Jovi’s sequined vest.

3. Get Off the Stage Song by Will Ferrell and Jack Black

A perfect solution for long-winded acceptance speeches. Could also be used during afternoon board meetings and holiday dinners.

2. Miss Misery by Elliot Smith
Film: Good Will Hunting

A beautiful rendition of Elliot Smith’s song that was featured during the credits of Good Will Hunting. The late singer described performing in front of the Oscar audience as surreal, but noted that it was “fun to walk on the moon for a day.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DaEh2RKCDPc

1. Streets of Philadelphia by Bruce Springsteen
Film: Philadelphia

This song won the 1994 Oscar for Best Original Song over some classic movie tunes including The Day I Fall in Love from the timeless piece film Beethoven’s 2nd. That’s why he’s called The Boss.