Entertainment
15 Movie Soundtracks Nominated For An Album Of The Year Grammy That You Need To Listen To ASAP
Although the Album of the Year Grammy category has traditionally lent attention to independent bands and solo artists, the occasional movie soundtrack has snuck into the mix before. In the 66 years since the category's inception, a little more than a dozen films have earned nominations for the top album of their given years... and three have actually won.
Running back through the list, we find cinematic adaptations of stage musicals, rock operas translated to film, orchestra-backed dramas, pop hit-laden romances, and even a few particularly peppy comedy movies. Check out which films have made a grab for (and reached!) the trophy over these past 66 years.
Image: Paramount Pictures
'West Side Story'
Year nominated: 1962Result: Lost to Judy at Carnegie Hall by Judy GarlandHighlights: “I Feel Pretty” and “Tonight” are some of Sondheim’s best.
Image: United Artists
'Breakfast at Tiffany's'
Year nominated: 1962Result: Lost to Judy at Carnegie Hall by Judy GarlandHighlights: Moooooon River…
Image: Paramount Pictures
'The Pink Panther'
Year nominated: 1965Result: Lost to Getz/Gilberto by Stan Getz and João GilbertoHighlights: Duh-dun, duh-dun, duh-dun-duh-dun-duh-dun-duh-dun-duh-duuun…
Image: United Artists
'The Sound of Music'
Year nominated: 1966Result: Lost to September of My Years by Frank SinatraHighlights: Just try not to hum along with “Do, Re, Mi.”
Image: 20th Century Fox
'Help!'
Year nominated: 1966Result: Lost to September of My Years by Frank SinatraHighlights: For my money, “You’ve Got to Hide Your Love Away” is one of the Beatles’ best.
Image: United Artists
'Dr. Zhivago'
Year nominated: 1967Result: Lost to A Man and His Music by Frank SinatraHighlights: Through and through, it’s a pretty lovely organization of string sobriety.
Image: MGM
'Shaft'
Year nominated: 1972Result: Lost to Tapestry by Carol KingHighlights: That title theme is one bad mother—…well, you know.
Image: MGM
'Star Wars'
Year nominated: 1978Result: Lost to Rumours by Fleetwood MacHighlights: That opening theme is as epic a piece of music as any classic orchestration.
Image: 20th Century Fox
'Saturday Night Fever'
Year nominated: 1979Result: Won!Highlights: “Stayin’ Alive” and “Night Fever” have ascended beyond their attachment to the movie and become disco/pop classics.
Image: Paramount Pictures
'Grease'
Year nominated: 1979Result: Lost to Saturday Night Fever (big year for Travolta)Highlights: “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightning,” and “You’re the One That I Want” stand the test of time (and “Beauty School Dropout” is in my head every other day).
Image: Paramount Pictures
'Flashdance'
Year nominated: 1984Result: Lost to Thriller by Michael JacksonHighlights: Does the word “Maniac” mean anything to you?
Image: Paramount Pictures
'Beauty and the Beast'
Year nominated: 1993Result: Lost to Unplugged by Eric ClaptonHighlights: The whole album is a gem, but “Gaston,” “Be Our Guest,” and the title number are particular favorites.
Image: Disney
'The Bodyguard'
Year nominated: 1994Result: WonHighlights: “I Will Always Love You,” By the legendary Whitney Houston.
Image: Warner Bros.
'Waiting to Exhale'
Year nominated: 1997Result: Lost to Falling into You by Celine DionHighlights: A bundle: “Exhale,” “Non Gon’ Cry,” “My Funny Valentine,” and “Count on Me” among the lot.
Image: 20th Century Fox
'O Brother Where Art Thou'
Year nominated: 2002Result: Won!Highlights: George Clooney’s mellifluous bellows in “A Man of Constant Sorrow.”
Image: Buena Vista Pictures
