Music For Films: A Spotify Playlist

The 88th Academy Awards ceremony takes place tomorrow night at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California. Hosted by comedian Chris Rock, this year’s Oscars will feature performances by Lady Gaga, Sam Smith and The Weeknd, as well as a special appearance by Dave Grohl. In honor of the celebration of movies planned for Sunday evening, below is a 40-song Spotify Playlist featuring songs penned for feature films.

This collection focuses primarily on songs written and/or recorded specifically for a movie, rather than tracks later selected for inclusion after originally being released. The two and half hour set includes a few “themes” as well as title tracks from the films they represent. The playlist spans decades and genres and features many songs that went on to be as well-known (if not moreso) as the visuals they augmented.

Contributions by legends like David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Dr. John, Eric Clapton, Paul Simon, Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd, Bruce Springsteen, David Byrne and others are featured. There are also cuts from the likes of renowned musicians such as Gillian Welch, Alison Krauss, Bee Gees, Huey Lewis & The News and Lindsey Buckingham and several more. Additionally, contemporary compositions performed by artists including Norah Jones, Arcade Fire, Radiohead, Beck, Jack White, Punch Brothers and Eddie Vedder are also within the playlist.