Oscar for Best Original Song Includes Elton John, Mary J. Blige
The Academy Awards have issued a list of 39 movie-related songs eligible for nomination in the Best Original Song category, and it includes Elton John, Mary J. Blige, Zooey Deschanel and Jónsi of Sigur Rós. Conspicuously absent is Madonna, whose “Masterpiece” from W.E. (which she also directed) was recently nominated for a Golden Globe; according to Academy rules, the song appears too late in the credits to qualify.
Sir Elton is eligible for two songs from Gnomeo & Juliet, including “Hello Hello,” his duet with Lady Gaga. Other eligible songs include Deschanel’s “So Long” from Winnie the Pooh, Blige’s “The Living Proof” from The Help and three songs from The Muppets. Jonsi is eligible for his ethereal soundtrack for We Bought a Zoo; other contenders include Chris Cornell (for Machine Gun Preacher) and Will.i.am (for Rio).
The 84th annual Academy Awards will take place on February 26th, 2012.