The Oscars has made a notable change this year by eliminating the Best Original Song category, sparking intrigue among attendees and critics. In 2024, Ryan Gosling’s “I’m Just Ken” from *Barbie* and RRR’s “Naatu Naatu” left an lasting impression, making both performances stand out as defining moments at their respective ceremonies. However, this year, the absence of song categories is expected to ensure no song can match the grandeur of those past performances. With the shift, discussions about this year’s nominees will focus less on songs and more on storytelling and cinematic achievement. The change has been met with mixed reactions, with some fans praising the move while others miss the tradition of recognizing musical excellence. This year’s ceremony will undoubtedly be remembered for its emphasis on visual and narrative brilliance rather than purely musical prowess.
Source: https://www.vulture.com/article/oscars-2025-original-song-performances.html