If you’re anything like me, you’ve been keeping up with the 2025 Oscar nominations. I am a huge fan of awards season and love getting over-invested in the competition between my favorite films of the year. In the spirit of the season, I’d like to share with you my favorite original songs from movies, some of which have been nominated this year and others from award shows past.
“(You Made it Feel Like) Home” by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (“Bones and All”)
It’s impossible to listen to this song without thinking of that final, heartbreaking scene in “Bones and All,” which happens to be one of my favorite movies of all time. The warm, minimalistic vocals perfectly reflect the mix of emotions felt by the main character, Maren, who has just had to make the toughest decision of her life. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, who deservedly appear on this list multiple times, have an incredible talent for creating music that deeply immerses itself into their films, intertwining with the story as if it is its own character, without whom the plot would cease to function. This song is no exception, and for me will always be inextricably linked to this story.
“Palo Alto” by Dev Hynes (“Palo Alto”)
I’m convinced that Dev Hynes, known by many as Blood Orange, has the most diverse, wide-ranging portfolio of music of any artist ever. Despite gaining huge mainstream popularity only recently, he has been writing, playing and producing for household names like Britney Spears, Solange, Mariah Carey, Sky Ferreira, A$AP Rocky, Mac Miller and more for decades. His work, although varying in tone and medium, consistently incorporates a signature dreamy, retro style that never fails to capture my attention. That style works perfectly in Palo Alto, a coming-of-age narrative that frames adolescence through a hazy, nostalgic lens. Like this titular song, the characters are meandering, thoughtful, and wistful, wishing for a life less complicated than the one they have. I totally recommend checking out more of Hynes’ discography, although I have to warn you it might take a while.
“Phone Call” by John Brion (“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”)
Although brief, I feel like this song does a beautiful job of capturing this film’s bittersweet mood. It reflects the complex feelings of the central characters, who are grappling throughout the movie with several different internal battles. Listening to it makes me want to scroll years back on my camera roll and reminisce on old memories, the perfect activity to do while watching “Eternal Sunshine.”
“Yeah x10” by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (“Challengers”)
On a more upbeat note is this catchy dance track from the 2024 hit “Challengers,” again composed by the iconic Reznor and Ross duo. Although I enjoy practically every song on this movie’s soundtrack (especially “Uncle Ace”, also by Dev Hynes – I told you his range was crazy), this one really stands out to me. We hear it while getting our first look at Tashi Duncan, the rising tennis star we just heard described by Patrick as “the hottest woman alive.” Like Duncan, this song is unapologetic, bold and confident, and acts as a perfect introduction to her character. As I said before, Reznor and Ross do a great job of intertwining their music with their films, and this track is no exception. Similarly to how I can’t listen to “Home” without picturing the final scene of “Bones and All,” it’s impossible for me to hear this track without imagining Zendaya crouched on a tennis court, eyes narrowed, about to serve.
“Moon River” by Henry Mancini (“Breakfast at Tiffany’s”)
The first time I watched this movie was in middle school, when I found a free recording of it recommended to me on YouTube. I have never been the same. I love everything about this movie so, so much, from Audrey Hepburn’s iconic black dress, to her cat named Cat, to this song especially. It’s touchingly beautiful, hopelessly romantic and achingly genuine. Hepburn’s voice was made for these lyrics, and this version will always be my favorite, even over Frank Ocean and Sinatra.
