Academy awards, Cannes, Sundance, etc...(Any Film festival)

[stULana]

pAttu nemba sumArA irukkE
idhukkellAmA reward kuduppAnga

In the past, they have

Looking at other nominations, I feel "Pi's Lullaby" (Mychael Danna, Bombay Jayashri) stands a chance.
"Before My Time" from Chasing Ice and "Suddenly" from Les Miserables have minimalistic music and are simple (as well!).
"Everybody Needs A Best Friend" from Ted seems to be cute more for the teddy than the song itself. I mean, all that is familiar and heard before (kind of) music. "Skyfall" from Skyfall is the only one with some dramatic music, but that is again like our own "Yaar endru therigiradha", more of 'popular' music and 'expected' in a Bond movie. If crescendo moments alone matter (i.e., besides whatever lobbying), then Oscar will go to Skyfall.

Otherwise, I feel the real contest will be between "Before My Time" and "Pi's Lullaby". What could work for "Pi's Lullaby" is that it is 'different' (for them!), captures the 'nativity' of another 'culture' and presents their 'lullaby' in a type of world/'collaborative' music . It seems director Ang Lee said, "a child sleeps not because it feels sleepy, but because it feels safe (read 'peace')". This punch dialogue has some truth in it and the song sure sounds peaceful and soothing, which is why my Telugu colleague liked it (I was surprised he liked it, as he normally listens to Telugu masala/kutthu songs like Kevvu Kaeka and Sakkubai garam chaai ).

When watching in a theater, "Pi's Lullaby" sure succeeds in drawing the audience into the movie, right from the first frame, by creating the right ambience (as some have expressed, apt for reflecting Pi's childhood, growing up in a peaceful/safe environment).
Avanga kudukuraaLo illayo, we can give now. And the Oscar for Music (Original Song) goes to "Pi's Lullaby" by Mychael Danna and Bombay Jayashri.