Variety has revealed that the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will select nominees in the best song category from a list of 49 contenders.
In the running for the 81st annual Oscars ceremony, we find The Wrestler, by Bruce Springsteen, O Saya by M.I.A. from the film Slumdog Millionaire, Another Way to Die by Alicia Keys and Jack White, and Once in a Lifetime by Beyoncé Knowles from the film Cadillac Records.
Five songs will be selected as nominees for the category, and will be announced on January 22, as will the nominees for the other categories. In order to qualify for the best song award, the song must have been written specifically for a film soundtrack.