Tell It Like a Woman/RRR - 1 song nomination each

 

Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song)
Diane Warren 

For song "Applause"

Tell it Like a Woman is an anthology film which features 7 stories by 7 women featuring 7 women protagonists facing a challenge. The vignettes come in different languages, some with well known stars like Eva Longoria, and some with actors new to at least me.  There's the woman whose sister has died and she is now charged with caring for her Italian niece, there's the Japanese single mother who is too busy to braid her daughter's hair, there is the Indian high powered executive who looks for a life with some fun; some heart warming some heart breaking. I loved the film and I loved the song. (and I don't generally like anthologies!)

It's important to note that this is Diane Warren's 14th competitive Oscars nomination with no wins, and though her streak as a bridesmaid but not the bride will most certainly continue this year, there is no doubt that Warren's talent as a song writer is nearly unparalleled.  I'm rooting for her to win someday soon, even if she goes home empty handed once again.

Best Achievement in Music Written for Motion Pictures (Original Song)
M.M. Keeravani 
Chandrabose 

For song "Naatu Naatu"

RRR is the greatest action movie of all time. (Fight me.) A young girl from a remote village is taken from her family by the evil British occupiers and unleashes one of the most deadly men who is determined to steal her back and take her home to her mother. Meanwhile, an Indian member of the British police force (and the other of the most deadly men) is charged with finding the villager and keeping him from taking his revenge. The police officer poses as a young revolutionary in order to sniff out this man coming for his family member, and has a most unexpected back story. In an ironic twist, the two unite to rescue a child and become instant best friends. There are two scenes in this film that are unforgettable (the police officer against a crowd of thousands, and a scene with animals jumping out of cages but in a unique way), and the song is the highest energy dance scene you've ever scene. I mean it, you have to see this movie - it's worth every minute of the 3 hours you'll spend and perhaps you'll become an evangelist for it, like me.  I had seen this film prior to it being nominated, which is the only reason it didn't win my Hidden Gem award.  Even thinking about it now, I'm utterly enthralled.  It's one you do not want to miss... even if you hate action movies.