1936 Best Original Song - When the Tunes Were Like Heaven

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WON AND SHOULD'VE WON: "The Way You Look Tonight," Swing Time

Poor "I've Got You Under My Skin." In 9 out of 10 years, I would probably bestow upon it my full support, particularly as its so warmly and heartrendingly sung by the underrated Virginia Bruce in Born to Dance. Alas, "The Way You Look Tonight" is just about the epitome of timelessness. It's been covered by just about everyone under the sun, from the obvious likes of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett, to the more atypical like '80s "Come on Eileen" crooners Dexys Midnight Runners and Carrie Fisher in Hannah and Her Sisters. Alas, I'm not sure it's ever gotten better than the lovely and charming Fred Astaire original.

Beyond those two juggernauts, you have another two very fine tracks in the Depression-era Bing Crosby classic "Pennies from Heaven" and the glowing "When Did You Leave Heaven," a sweet number performed by Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians for the completely forgotten, though marvelously titled musical Sing, Baby, Sing.

The other two tracks are a bit forgettable, unfortunately, though "A Melody from the Sky," which clocks in at a minute and 15 seconds, might well have the dubious honor of shortest-ever song nominated in this category - anyone know?

The Oscar-winners ranked (thus far):

  1. "The Way You Look Tonight," Swing Time (1936)
  2. "Lullaby of Broadway," Gold Diggers of 1935 (1935)
  3. "The Continental," The Gay Divorcee (1934)