Oscars 2016: Who will win Best Original Song?

Taking a look at contenders in the Original Song category at the 88th Academy Awards, one can say that the minimalistic use of instruments is one thing they all share. There is grandeur with a touch of the symphony. There are definitely some surprises but I see no disappointments or snubs.

Here is a look at nominees before our prediction in the category.

'Earned It', Fifty Shades of Grey

Music and Lyrics by Ahamad Balshe (Belly), Stephan Moccio, Jason "Daheala" Quenneville, Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd)

Everyone was quite certain that the Oscars would be too high brow to consider anything associated with Fifty Shades of Grey. On the off chance that it was considered, people thought Ellie Goulding's 'Love me like you do' will be nominated. So it came as a surprise when 'Earned it' by The Weeknd got the Academy nod. He recently won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance for the same. The racy song fits perfectly with the theme of the movie. The slow and steady rhythm kind of makes it catchy.

'Manta Ray', Racing Extinction

Music by J Ralph, Lyrics by Antony Hegarty

J Ralph is the only composer whose songs for documentary films have found a place in the original song category at the Oscars. Before 'Manta Ray', Ralph was nominated for 'Before My Time' performed by Scarlett Johansson and Joshua Bell for the documentary Chasing Ice in 2013.

Performed by J Ralph and lyrics by Antony Hegarty, 'Manta Ray' featured in Racing Extinction. The documentary is about the ongoing Anthropogenic mass extinction. Minimal use of instruments and an emphasis on lyrics is something 'Manta Ray' has common with the other contenders. The piano and a touch of the violin make it a great listen.

'Simple Song #3', Youth

Music and Lyrics by David Lang

David Lang is a symphony composer and had little do with composing for films. That, to his credit, lends his talent perfectly to Michael Caine's ageing composer Fred Ballinger in Paolo Sorrentino's Youth. This is the first Oscar nomination for David Lang.

Lang wrote the song by googling the phrase 'When you whisper my name I...' He painstakingly jotted down the most tender search results and that became the 'Simple Song #3'. The song is about Ballinger making these for his wife out of love for her. One associates it with oneself because they are simple to understand and relate to. 

'Til It Happens to You', The Hunting Ground

Music and Lyrics by Lady Gaga and Diane Warren

This is another documentary song nominated in original song category along with 'Manta Ray'.

Written by Lady Gaga and Diane Warren, the song talks about the issue of sexual assaults taking place on college campuses in the US. It relates to us all. It featured in the documentary The Hunting Ground directed by Kirby Dick.

The song was also nominated for a Grammy this year in the category of Best Song Written for Visual Media. This is the first time Lade Gaga has been nominated for an Oscar.

'Writing's on the Wall', Spectre

Music and Lyrics by Jimmy Napes and Sam Smith

'Writing's on the Wall' is the fifth Bond song to be nominated for Academy Award. Having already bagged the Golden Globe for the best original song, Sam Smith and Jinny Napes are one of the strongest contenders in the category.

The writers wrote the song in 20 minutes, after reading the script. The rough demo was appreciated by director Sam Mendes and it made it to the original recording.

'Writing's on the Wall' became the first Bond Song to top the UK music charts even after receiving mixed reviews from the critics.

Who Will Win - 'Til It Happens to You' from The Hunting Ground – Music and Lyrics by Lady Gaga and Diane Warren