1988 Oscars — Music (Original Song)

Dirty Dancing won Music (Original Song) at the 1988 Oscars. All 5 nominees are listed below, winner first. The other nominees were Beverly Hills Cop II, Cry Freedom, Mannequin and The Princess Bride. Each film links to its complete award history. The links below go to the 1987 and 1991 Music (Original Song) races.

Last updated August 12, 2026

Dirty Dancing(1987)
(I've Had) The Time Of My Life in "Dirty Dancing" Music by Franke Previte, John DeNicola and Donald Markowitz; Lyric by Franke Previte
Winner
Beverly Hills Cop II(1987)
Shakedown in "Beverly Hills Cop II" Music by Harold Faltermeyer and Keith Forsey; Lyric by Harold Faltermeyer, Keith Forsey and Bob Seger
Cry Freedom(1987)
Cry Freedom in "Cry Freedom" Music and Lyric by George Fenton and Jonas Gwangwa
Mannequin(1987)
Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now in "Mannequin" Music and Lyric by Albert Hammond and Diane Warren
The Princess Bride(1987)
Storybook Love in "The Princess Bride" Music and Lyric by Willy DeVille