How much does a song's placement influence Best Original Song voting?

[VictoriaH]

I just saw the list of nominees for Best Original Song this year and honestly, I’m a bit confused. One of the tracks is from a film that didn’t get much buzz, and I can’t even remember hearing it during the movie. Does the song’s placement in the film, or how memorable it is, actually factor into how people vote for these awards?

[Ella_L]

Honestly, I’ve noticed folks in the room talk about how the song sits in a scene. If it’s sewn into a key moment, it tends to land differently than something that just plays over credits.

[GraceOM]

In my experience, people talk about the craft—melody, lyrics, how the tune fits—but the loud factor is usually whether it makes the movie feel bigger, not just a catchy hook.

[Gregory.J]

I once voted in a smaller category and picked the strongest standalone tune, not worrying as much about its exact placement.

[RobertQM]

Placement can anchor a song to a moment, so the memory sticks when voters are weighing which song felt earned for the film.

[BenjaminXM]

There was a movie I barely noticed, but the closing number stuck with me because it echoed the scene's emotions; I’m not sure that should decide a vote, but it does leave a trace.

[JonathanW]

Do you think the problem is that the film wasn’t buzzworthy, so the track never got the same push? It might not be about the song at all.

[LunaA]

I could be wrong, maybe some voters are just chasing campaigns or cool performances, not the song's fit.