Why were the Bee Gees' songs snubbed by the Oscars in 1978?

The Bee Gees' songs from "Saturday Night Fever" were largely overlooked for Oscar nominations in 1978, possibly due to voters' unfamiliarity with popular music and a preference for established songwriters.

How many songs from "Saturday Night Fever" were eligible for the Oscars?

The Academy confirmed that five songs from "Saturday Night Fever," including "Stayin' Alive" and "Night Fever," were eligible for Oscar consideration in 1978.

Have the Oscars' musical selections changed since 1978?

Yes, the Oscars have since recognized contemporary hits by artists like Donna Summer, Irene Cara, and Lady Gaga, indicating a greater acknowledgment of popular music over time.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Bee Gees' Oscars Snub: A Feverish Musical Mystery

Bee Gees' Oscars Snub: A Feverish Musical Mystery

27 Feb

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Summary

Saturday Night Fever soundtrack faced Oscar nomination snubs in 1978.
Multiple Bee Gees songs were eligible but not nominated for awards.
Voter inattentiveness to popular music may have contributed to snubs.

Bee Gees' Oscars Snub: A Feverish Musical Mystery

The music from "Saturday Night Fever," a cultural phenomenon, was notably absent from the 1978 Oscar nominations for Best Original Song, despite the soundtrack’s immense chart success. Fans were shocked when only John Travolta received a nomination for the film itself. While the Bee Gees' songs "Stayin' Alive," "Night Fever," and "How Deep Is Your Love" were topping the charts, they and other eligible tracks like "If I Can't Have You" and "More Than a Woman" were not among the nominees.