Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga

 

Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song)
Savan Kotecha (music and lyric by) 
Max Grahn (music and lyric by) 
Rickard Göransson 

For song "Husavik"

Two Icelandic musicians with a dream compose a song they hope to send to the iconic Eurovision Song Contest.  For you Americans reading this blog, it's very likely that you've never even heard of this competition, but it is huge abroad.  And for those of you for whom this film is a bit inside baseball, let me tell you that Iceland has never actually won the contest but has come in second twice.  Will Farrell's comedic ability to set a film in an obscure setting and still make it relatable and hilarious stands firm, not to mention the fact that the songs written for the movie are utterly authentic to the contest.  Not only that, but cameos by actual Eurovision past winners (go Netta from Israel! I'm NOT your toy!) make this film even funnier by the moment.

Will Farrell and Rachel McAdams play Lars and Sigrit, and their relationship is put to the test when they get onto the world stage with their song, "Husavik" (meaning, "My Hometown").  With attention and "fame" and experts giving them advice, they struggle to maintain their musical vision and their strong connection.  But in truly the funniest way possible.  I enjoyed the film utterly, and I am certain that nobody on the Eurovision film team ever predicted an Oscars nomination.

You can hear the nominated song here.

Watch the trailer here.