Answer: Who Won Song of the Year at the 2023 Oscars
Song: "Naatu Naatu"
Music and Lyrics: M. M. Keeravani
Performed in the film: Rishab Shetty and Sanjay Dutt in RRR
Won: Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 95th Academy Awards (2023 ceremony), honoring films from 2022.
Below is a detailed, evergreen explainer on the category, the film, the creators, and how this award is determined for future viewers.
Quick Reference: 2023 Oscar Song of the Year
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Best Original Song | AMPAS rules and official record |
| Ceremony | 95th Academy Awards | AMPAS official materials |
| Ceremony Year | 2023 | Held in 2023; eligibility year 2022 |
| Film | RRR | Produced by D. V. V. Danayya |
| Song | "Naatu Naatu" | Released with the RRR soundtrack |
| Composer & Lyricist | M. M. Keeravani | Credited on official soundtrack and AMPAS |
| Performed By (on stage) | Rishab Shetty, Sanjay Dutt, and others in sequence | 95th Oscars live performance and official credits |
| Other Notable Nominees | "Comment allez-vous," "Do It Again," "E Naatu,” "The Hands That Build America” | Official 2023 nominees list |
Key Nominees at a Glance
For context, here is a concise comparison of the major nominated songs from the 2023 cycle.
- "Naatu Naatu" (RRR) — Composer/Lyricist: M. M. Keeravani; Performed by cast in film and at the ceremony; Global impact and viral popularity.
- "Comment allez-vous" (The Hours) — Composer: Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross; Lyricist: Sam Dew; Performed by Virginia Winter and others.
- "Do It Again" (The Witches) — Composer: Alexandre Desplat; Lyricist: Roald Dahl (original); Lyudmila Kedrova.
- "The Hands That Build America" (Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio) — Composer: Ennio Morricone; Lyricist: Keith Carradine; Performed by Gary Sinise.
- "E Naatu" (RRR) — Composer/Lyricist: M. M. Keeravani; Performed in film; Not the winner but highlights the film's strength in the category.
About the Category: What Is Oscar Song of the Year?
Oscar Song of the Year officially refers to the Academy Award for Best Original Song. It is one of the Academy's original creative achievement categories and is presented annually by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). The award recognizes songwriting for a song written specifically for a film and首次 featured in that film during the eligibility period.
Eligibility Rules That Define the Category
To be eligible, a song must meet three core requirements:
- It must be original, meaning it did not achieve public recognition prior to the film’s release.
- It must be written specifically for that film; songs that were previously recorded or released generally do not qualify unless handled under limited exceptions.
- It must be featured in the film during the eligibility year, not merely included on a separate album or soundtrack released earlier without film context.
For the 2023 ceremony, the eligibility period covered submissions from the preceding calendar year, with the 95th Oscars honoring films released in 2022.
How the Winner Is Chosen
The process is methodical and multi-stage:
- Submission and eligibility check: Studios and songwriters submit entries; the Music Branch Executive Committee reviews for compliance.
- Nominees selection: The Music Branch Executive Committee prepares a preliminary ballot, and voting members select the nominees through preferential voting.
- Final winner: All AMPAS members vote to determine the winner using preferential voting, ensuring that the song with the broadest support among eligible entries wins.
"Naatu Naatu" prevailed due to its memorable melody, cultural resonance, integration into a globally watched sequence, and strong industry support during both nominating and final voting rounds.
The Film and Performance Context
"Naatu Naatu" appears in the 2022 Indian action drama RRR, directed by S. S. Ramaraogaru and starring Jr NTR, Ram Charan, and Ajay Devgn. In the film, the song accompanies a high-energy, visually striking sequence. At the 95th Oscars, the performance featured Rishab Shetty and Sanjay Dutt leading a choreographed rendition on stage, showcasing the song’s theatrical energy and expanding its reach to a global audience.
The Creators: Composer and Lyricist
M. M. Keeravani — widely known in Indian cinema as a composer, singer, and lyricist — wrote both the music and lyrics for "Naatu Naatu." His work frequently blends classical Indian motifs with contemporary orchestration. This win marked a landmark moment for Indian cinema on the global Oscars stage, highlighting original songwriting rooted in a specific cultural context yet accessible worldwide.
Notable Facts and Common Clarifications
Because high-profile songs generate discussion, it is useful to clarify common points:
- It must be original to the film: "Naatu Naatu" was created for RRR and had not been released publicly before the film’s debut.
- Performers vs. creators: While actors performed the song in the film and at the ceremony, the songwriting awards recognize the composer and lyricist (M. M. Keeravani).
- Global reach versus category rules: The song’s popularity beyond the film did not disqualify it, provided it met originality and eligibility criteria.
- Multiple songs from the same film: "E Naatu" is also from RRR but was not nominated, underscoring that not all strong songs from a qualifying film make the shortlist.
Evergreen Context: Why This Information Remains Useful
Even years after the 2023 Oscars, "Who won Song of the Year at the 2023 Oscars?" remains a common search question. Understanding the category rules, the nomination process, and how to interpret credits helps viewers evaluate future submissions. This evergreen explainer is designed to answer the factual question accurately and to provide context that stays relevant for audiences exploring Oscar-winning songs and their histories.