Did They Get it Right? – Best Original Song – Oscars 1983

This was an ok year for Oscar nominated songs. It’s not surprising that the songs from Tender mercies and Yentl were nominated since the movies are musical in nature. The two songs from Flashdance are very catchy songs and are still considered classic 80’s songs.  There are some better songs than the 5 nominated that probably should have been nominated here tho.

Here are the five nominees: (Winner in Bold)

• “Maniac” – Flashdance • Music and Lyrics: Michael Sembello and Dennis Matkosky

• “Over You” – Tender Mercies • Music and Lyrics: Austin Roberts and Bobby Hart

• “Papa, Can You Hear Me?” – Yentl • Music: Michel Legrand • Lyrics: Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman

• “The Way He Makes Me Feel” – Yentl • Music: Michel Legrand • Lyrics: Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman

• “Flashdance… What a Feeling” – Flashdance – Music: Giorgio Moroder • Lyrics: Keith Forsey and Irene Cara

Song (s) that I think should have been included in the mix: (Not sure if all really are eligible according to Oscar standards…)

• Easy Money – Billy Joel (Easy Money)

• All Time High – Rita Coolidge (Octopussy)

• Holiday Road – Lindsey Buckingham (National Lampoon’s Vacation)

•  Stay Gold – Stevie Wonder (The Outsiders)

• Strange Brew – Ian Thomas (Strange Brew)

• Tough Enough – TG Sheppard (Tough Enough)

• Rainbows Never Touch the Ground – Dennis Quaid (Tough Enough)

My Rankings:

Songs

• 5. – The Way He Makes Me Feel
• 4. – Over You
• 3. – Papa Can You Hear Me
• 2. – Maniac
• 1. – Flashdance… What a FEeling

Movies

• 3. – Flashdance
• 2. – Tender Mercies
• 1. – Yentl

Do I agree with the Oscar winner? – Yes, the song from Flashdance is great despite the movie itself being lackluster

Let me know what you think about these songs!