I’m a fan of “Raise It Up” from the movie “August Rush” (which I didn’t see and I’m pretty sure most Academy voters didn’t see either….) I think the vocals are a bit weird, but the song itself is worthy.

My choice for this year’s Oscar winner is “Falling Slowly” from the movie “Once” by Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová. The film revolves around the composition of this precious song and the performers in the film are the writers of the song, therefore giving the Academy membership an even better to vote for it….

In the ‘Best Original Score’ category, picking a winner is a different story.  The five nominated films are: “Atonement“ (Dario Marianelli) “The Kite Runner“ (Alberto Iglesias), “Michael Clayton“ (James Newton Howard), “Ratatouille“ (Michael Giacchino) and “3:10 To Yuma“ (Marco Beltrami.)

Dario Marianelli and Alberto Iglesias were both nominated for the first time last year for “The Constant Gardener” and “Pride & Prejudice” both losing to “Brokeback Mountain.” The nomination for “Michael Clayton” marks James Newton Howard’s seventh nomination without a win and both Michael Giacchino and Marco Beltrami are nominated for the first time this year. This probably marks the first time in ages that this category does not have a previous Oscar winner in it. I’m leaning towards the three in the category who have been previously nominated though and this year I’ll give the edge to Dario Marianelli for his work on “Atonement.”

I feel that although I had some problems with the plot of “Atonement” the film itself was masterfully created. At the same time, one couldn’t get through such a thrilling ride of a movie were it not for the soundtrack that accompanied the various moods and emotions that the period film took.