1935 Best Original Song - Before Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga...

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WON: "Lullaby of Broadway," Gold Diggers of 1935

SHOULD'VE WON: "Cheek to Cheek," Top Hat

It's tough to really knock "Lullaby of Broadway" - it's an iconic tune, later put to splendid use in Broadway's 42nd Street, and the musical number it's featured in in Gold Diggers is pretty captivating filmmaking. "Lovely to Look At" is also a fine effort, a charmer elevated to great heights by Irene Dunne's stunning vocal delivery.

With that said, "Cheek to Cheek" undoubtedly should've triumphed here, without question. It is one of the all-time loveliest, most smile-inducing songs ("heaven, I'm in heaven..."), performed pitch-perfectly by Fred and Ginger. Frankly, it might well prove to be of the greatest tunes ever nominated in this category. We shall see.

The Oscar-winners ranked (thus far):

  1. "Lullaby of Broadway," Gold Diggers of 1935
  2. "The Continental," The Gay Divorcee

1934 Best Original Song - Bing vs. Fred & Ginger x2

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WON: "The Continental," The Gay Divorcee

SHOULD'VE WON: "Love in Bloom," She Loves Me Not

The Academy's inaugural Best Original Song showdown included a mere three nominees - a far cry from the 10 nominations, for instance, that would crowd this category a few years later, in 1938. Nominated were tracks from two Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers vehicles and then one, "Love in Bloom," from an early Bing Crosby picture. I'm afraid to report none of the three songs are terribly memorable, though, to be fair, they sound pretty darn fine in comparison to the latest victor in this category, "Writing's on the Wall."

Both "Carioca" and "The Continental" are peppy and listenable-enough, but instantly forgettable as mere audio tracks. ("The Continental" prevailed, no doubt, on account of the glorious dance number it was included in.) Ultimately, I most like "Love in Bloom," which, while no "White Christmas" or "Pennies from Heaven," nonetheless showcases that legendary Crosby voice and is a rich, smooth listen.