Last week, Common and John Legend’s new anthem “Glory”—from the Best Picture-nominated film Selma—took home the Critics’ Choice Award for Best Song, just days after winning a Golden Globe. If the early critical praise is any indication, the single is likely a favorite to take home an Oscar on Feb. 22 (though it does face some stiff competition from The Lonely Island/Tegan and Sara dance hit “Everything Is Awesome“).
Though the Oscars haven’t exactly had the greatest track record for picking timeless tunes (there’s a serious shortage of hip-hop, and Disney songs make up a good chunk of the last two decades), they’ve managed to pick some gems over the years.
Here’s a look at how “Glory” stacks up against some of the Oscars’ best songs of all time.
”Things Have Changed” – Bob Dylan
Dylan won the Oscar for Best Original Song in 2000 for this tune from the soundtrack to the big-screen adaptation of Michael Chabon’s Wonder Boys. It’s not exactly vintage Dylan, but it’s still pretty cool addition to the Oscar-winners list.
“Moon River” – Performed by Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn’s whispery, acoustic performance of “Moon River” from Breakfast at Tiffany’s is a dreamy Hollywood classic.
”I Just Called to Say I Love You” – Stevie Wonder
Featured on the soundtrack to 1984’s The Woman in Red, the smooth ballad “I Just Called to Say I Love You” shows why Stevie Wonder is a pop music icon.
”Skyfall” – Adele
2012’s “Skyfall” is the last new song Adele released, and like basically ever other song she has ever sang, it immediately became a massive hit, winning an Oscar, Golden Globe, Critics’ Choice Award, BRIT Award and a Grammy.
”Streets of Philadelphia” – Bruce Springsteen
2003’s Oscar winner from the film Philadelphia was a top-10 hit in more than a dozen countries.
”The Weary Kind” – Ryan Bingham & T-Bone Burnett (Performed by Jeff Bridges)
In 2009’s Crazy Heart, Jeff Bridge’s Otis “Bad” Blake was a brokenhearted, alcoholic, songwriter looking for redemption. “The Weary Kind” is his ballad to brokenness—and healing.
”Take My Breath Away” – Berlin
Sure, this one instantly sounds like ’80s top-40 bait (it won the Oscar in 1986 when it appeared in Top Gun), but the soulful synth crooner still holds up. No song in the world is begging for Chvrches cover more than “Take My Breath Away.” If the key change at the 2:50 mark doesn’t give you chills, then you may want to check your pulse to see if you’re even still alive.
“When You Wish Upon a Star” – Performed by Jiminy Cricket
Though the Oscars have recognized a ton of Disney songs over the years, no single movie tune is more associated with the magic of animated film like Pinocchio’s “When You Wish Upon a Star.”
“Over the Rainbow” – Performed by Judy Garland
The song from 1939’s masterpiece The Wizard of Oz still inspires covers and tributes more than seven decades later.
”Falling Slowly” – Once
2007’s Once made Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová unexpected Hollywood stars, bringing international recognition to their tender singer-songwriter tunes.
“Chim Chim Cher-ee” – Performed by Dick Van Dyke
Arguably the most delightfully catchy song included in any movie, ever. If watching this clip from 1964’s Mary Poppins doesn’t make you want to start prancing down the streets of an English village dressed as an old-timey chimney sweep, then we simply pity you.
