The nominations for this year’s Academy Awards came out today and if you’re like me, your first thought was “Why is Benjamin Button being announced so much?” But this is a music blog, someone else can righteously rage against Brad Pitt some other time. Instead, lets focus on what we (claim to) know: the Best Original Song nominees.

The most glaring omission (as many have already pointed out) is certainly Bruce Springsteen’s “The Wrestler” from the awesome movie of the same name. It’s classic Boss, and definitely deserved a nomination at least, if not the trophy. At least the Golden Globes got it right. But let’s stop focusing on the songs not nominated (Sorry Clint!), and take a listen to the contenders.

“Down to Earth”

First off, let me make this clear: Wall-E was my favorite movie of 2008, so I’m a little biased toward anything related to it. This song is no different. Songs made for big Disney animated movies always get Academy praise, and are usually the favorite for the Oscar going into the ceremony, so Peter Gabriel should be making space on his mantle. And hey, it might actually deserve it — this is a sweet, upbeat pop song from a sweet, upbeat film about robots in love. Plus, Peter Gabriel needs some 2008 recognition for something besides being referenced by Vampire Weekend.

“Jai Ho”

Note to self: Go see Slumdog Millionaire now, you bum. On to “Jai Ho,” a rapid paced Bollywood-sounding tune. After my first listen to it, I have to say it’s pretty catchy, and I really like the hard-hitting drums that come in every once in awhile. Heck, this song sounds way to futuristic for the Oscars (so much going on!), but definitely worthy of a nomination. Almost sounds like something M.I.A. would play around with. Oh wait…

“O Saya”

So, the singer who once just wanted to bang, bang and “take your money” is nominated for an Oscar (don’t forget the Grammy nod, too). What crazy times we live in. “O Saya” at first sounds like a slightly less enticing version of fellow Slumdog song “Jai Ho,” but then those crunching electronics become a bit more prevalent, and M.I.A. hits the mix. Then “O Saya” becomes a grittier Bollywood-inspired M.I.A. song, complete with politically motivated lyrics. So… another pretty awesome nominee. Keep your fingers crossed that we get an appearance from M.I.A. at the actual show.

Who will win? For all my rambling about “The Wrestler,” I have to admit that the three nominees here are all great songs. Not to be boring, no matter who wins, it won’t be a travesty. I think “Down to Earth” will win (using the classic “two songs from one movie cancel each other out” logic), though I’ll personally be rooting for M.I.A. because… it’s M.I.A. If Three 6 Mafia could do it…