The Golden Globe Awards announced its nominees today, and my eyes are fixed on the Best Original Song category. It’s a narrowed-lens look into the year in films, and for someone whose idea of a night at the movies usually means Netflix on the couch, it’s a glimpse outside of my cinematic bunker.
2014 nominees span Broadway favorites to the cheeky addition of Mr. Sexyback himself. Check out the five contending songs and get caught up on the films before the show airs January 12.
“Atlas,” by Coldplay for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
How is this Coldplay’s first Golden Globe nomination? The Brits brought their cinematic musical tendencies to the second installment of The Hunger Games. Though band’s penchant for grandiosity might be too rich in large doses, “Atlas” plays out just epic enough to script Katniss’ continued adventures.
“Let it Go,” by Idina Menzel for Frozen
The news of Menzel’s nomination broke the same day she and her husband of 10 years, Taye Diggs, confirmed their separation. Once again, my confidence in the sanctity of marriage has been destroyed, but I hope the nom brings some comfort to the most recognizable voice on Broadway.
“Ordinary Love,” U2 for Mandela: The Long Walk to Freedom
Days after world leaders scrambled for photo ops with Bono at Nelson Mandela’s memorial service, U2 was nominated for a song written for said same world leader. “Ordinary Love” strikes up typical Bono-style stadium rock, but the timing obviously hits a bittersweet note for the Irish rockers.
“Please Mr. Kennedy,” by Justin Timberlake, Oscar Isaac, and Adam Driver for Inside Llewyn Davis
Timberlake counts himself as a pop superstar, successfully recovered Mouseketeer (a harder feat to achieve than anticipated, just ask Britney and Christina), and an actor. Now, this clip from the Coen brothers’ latest wants everyone to add folksinger to the list. Perhaps the failed second half of The 20/20 Experience should’ve been Buddy Holly covers instead.
“Sweeter than Fiction,” by Taylor Swift in One Chance
Swift’s up for her second nomination in two years, having fallen in 2012 to Adele’s unbeatable “Skyfall.” This tune shows Swift doing what she does best: high-energy sing-a-long love songs, a far cry from the slow and soft “Safe & Sound” for last year’s Hunger Games soundtrack.
This article appears in December 6 • 2013.