KEEP SCORE AT HOME

Listen to all the film soundtracks and original songs shortlisted for the Oscars

“If Beale Street Could Talk” featured one of the best original scores of the year.
“If Beale Street Could Talk” featured one of the best original scores of the year.
Image: Annapurna Pictures
We may earn a commission from links on this page.

The Oscars aren’t until February, but the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has already announced the shortlists for several categories, including its two for music: best original score and best original song. From these shortlists, the film academy will choose the nominees and announce those on Jan. 22.

In the mean time, all of the shortlisted soundtracks and songs are available to listen to right now to get you ready for the Oscars. An early front runner for best score is Nicholas Britell’s gorgeous, brass-heavy music for If Beale Street Could Talk, but don’t count out Justin Hurwitz’s haunting score for the Neil Armstrong biopic First Man, which makes creative use of the theremin.

For best original song, look for the Lady Gaga-Bradley Cooper hit “Shallow” from A Star Is Born to be nominated off the shortlist (and likely win the award) along with two separate tunes from Mary Poppins Returns: “The Place Where Lost Things Go” and “Trip A Little Light Fantastic.”

Below are two Spotify playlists for your enjoyment—one featuring all of the songs shortlisted for the best original song Oscar, and one with a sampling of the shortlisted film scores. The Oscars will be on Sunday, Feb. 24 on ABC in the US.

Best Original Song

Best Original Score