Elton John wins the Academy Award for Best Original Song

Elton John picked up his second career Oscar for the song ‘(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again’. Sir Elton previously won Best Original Song for the Lion King‘s ‘Can You Feel the Love Tonight?’ 

The Elton John biopic Rocketman has done a great job at bringing the British performer back into the limelight. Released in the lead up to John’s enormous Farewell Yellow Brick Road world tour, the Dexter Fletcher-directed flick was a major box office success. And now it’s reaping the awards season love.

Watch: Rocketman official trailer

Taron Egerton picked up the Golden Globe for best actor in a comedy or musical for his portrayal of John, but most of the fuss has centred on the film’s music.

John and long-time collaborator Bernie Taupin wrote ‘(I’m Gonna) Love Me Again’ specifically for the film. It was named best original song at the Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice Awards and Satellite Awards. And now it’s picked up the biggest commendation of all – the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Watch: Elton John, Taron Egerton – (I’m Gonna) Love Me Again

John and Egerton share lead vocals on the boisterous recording, which Giles Martin produced (he’s the son of Beatles producer George Martin). Taupin’s lyrics tie in with the film’s narrative thrust, speaking of making it through the tough times and rising up stronger than before.

John’s competitors in the Best Original Song category included fellow old timer Randy Newman. Newman’s won the award twice before and contributed to multiple films up for awards this year (Marriage Story and Toy Story 4). The nomination went to ‘I Can’t Let You Throw Yourself Away’ from Toy Story 4.

Listen: Randy Newman – I Can’t Let You Throw Yourself Away

Also nominated this year were ‘I’m Standing With You’ from Breakthrough (written by Diane Warren), ‘Into the Unknown’ from Frozen II (written by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez), and ‘Stand Up’ from Harriet (written by Joshuah Brian Campbell and Cynthia Erivo).

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