The COVID-19 pandemic has affected routines for people all over the world, and the entertainment industry has not been immune. The way people watch movies has certainly changed, probably forever. But the 93rd Academy Awards remain a go for Sunday, where the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences will give out the latest edition of the highest honors a movie can receive.

While I always find myself unable to watch as many nominees as I’d prefer, one category I’ve followed in-depth for several years is Best Original Song. First awarded at the 7th annual Oscars, the AMPAS declares that “an original song consists of words and music, both of which are original and written specifically for the motion picture. There must be a clearly audible, intelligible, substantive rendition (not necessarily visually presented) of both lyric and melody, used in the body of the motion picture or as the first music cue in the end credits.” Here are the nominees for this year’s ceremony.

“Fight for You”

Composed by D’Mile, H.E.R., and Tiara Thomas for Judas and the Black Messiah, the song’s lyrics are applicable not just to the film’s topic (an FBI informant betraying Fred Hampton), but to American society today. The music uses many elements that are found on Top 40 radio today, including a strong reliance on bass, but not so much that it overpowers the song. The instrumental ending also leaves an impact, allowing the final lyrics (“I’ma always fight for you, for you, for you, fight for you”) to stay with the listener.

“Hear My Voice”

Composed by Daniel Pemberton & Celeste for The Trial of the Chicago 7, the lyrics accurately portray the true goals of the defendants accused of inciting riots at the 1968 Democratic National Convention. The slow jazz musical setup is a stark contrast to the intensity of the film itself, which may or may not be a calming effect, depending on how emotionally invested the audience becomes with the characters.

“Husavik”

Composed by Rickard Göransson, Fat Max Gsus, and Savan Kotecha for Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga, this is the only nominated song that appears in the actual film, as opposed to appearing in the final credits. With the film being musically based, it’s understandable that “Husavik” is overshadowed by other catchy tunes, but what gives this song its moment is the emotion the characters give when describing their hometown, occasionally switching from English to Icelandic. And yes, that really is Will Ferrell providing background vocals.

“Io sì (Seen)“

Composed by Diane Warren and Laura Pausini for The Life Ahead, the music and Italian lyrics blend together very well, providing a calming effect even when the chorus comes to a crescendo. Depending on how one views it, the song may or may not have a built-in advantage, as it won the Golden Globe for Original Song in February; five of the last six Oscar winners also took the Golden Globe.

“Speak Now”

Composed by Sam Ashworth and Leslie Odom Jr. for One Night in Miami, this song is very similar to its fellow nominees in its calm-but-aware approach, with a guitar providing the only background music for a significant portion of the song. Odom, who performs the song (and is also nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Sam Cooke), is able to show his wide vocal range, an excellent fit for the song’s message of achieving justice.

PREDICTION: I would consider most of these songs as heavy favorites if they were up against different competition. That said, “Speak Now” is the song that stuck the longest with me after listening to it for the first time. Odom’s vocals blend well with the guitar and additional instruments without one overpowering the other, and the organ music that provides the final notes is capable of lingering with other listeners as well. He already has a Grammy and Tony from his work in the musical Hamilton, and on Sunday evening, he may very well be one step closer to joining the prestigious “EGOT” category.