Academy Award® Nominated Songs

Little Oscar® may have eluded this bunch of classic songs, but he could do nothing to diminish their undeniable quality. Turn it up with Tom Jones' volcanic Welsh tenor on "What's New Pussycat?", ease it down with Aimee Mann's sublime "Save Me" from Magnolia, or rock out Robin Hood-style with Bryan Adams. Jon Bon Jovi joins Barbra Streisand among the Oscar® also-rans of our Next Steps.

In the strict universe of Footloose, dancing is a sin, which makes the infectious disco-pop of Deniece Williams' "Let's Hear It For the Boy" a subversive, even dangerous cut in its original context. Bruce Springsteen adds weight to the set when he tackles the case against capital punishment with his title track for Dead Man Walking. For a spot of movie boogie-woogie and a dash of celluloid choo-choo, head to Deep Cuts.

You'll be dancing on clouds at the end of our final batch of Oscar® contenders, as we leave you in the light embrace of Fred Astaire ("Cheek to Cheek" from Top Hat), and allow Louis Armstrong to put several springs in your step with "Jeepers Creepers" (from 1938's Going Places). Bing Crosby will croon you into a swoon with Irving Berlin's "Count Your Blessings" from White Christmas.

And the Oscar® goes to . . . well, none of these songs, actually. But they all made it to the shortlist, and at least the artists got to perform them during those parts of the ceremony when the actors sneak out for a bar 'n' bathroom break. All in all, it makes for a playlist packed with razzamatazz and variety, from Dolly Parton's country-pop classic "9 to 5" to U2's monumental "The Hands That Built America" from Gangs of New York. Hell, who needs the little gold statuette so long as you're invited to the party?