The 2025 Oscars’ best original song nominees, cruelly ranked

Zoe Saldaña performs "El Mal" in the film <em>Emilia Pérez</em>. The song is one of two from the musical that was nominated for the Oscar for best original song.

This year’s race — which includes beloved stars, up-and-coming talents and a pair of songs from a successful but controversial musical — feels wide open. That doesn’t mean all the songs are equally worthy.

(Image credit: Shanna Besson)

This year’s race — which includes beloved stars, up-and-coming talents and a pair of songs from a successful but controversial musical — feels wide open. That doesn’t mean all the songs are equally worthy.