What was the first song from Disney's 1991 animated Beauty and the Beast to win an Academy Award?

“Beauty and the Beast” was the first song from Disney’s 1991 animated Beauty and the Beast to win an Academy Award.

The song won the Academy Award for Best Original Song at the 64th Academy Awards, honoring composer Alan Menken and lyricist Howard Ashman. Angela Lansbury sings the film’s principal version as Mrs. Potts, while a pop version performed by Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson plays over the end credits.

The award recognized the song’s melody and lyrics, not the film’s entire score. “Belle” and “Be Our Guest” were also nominated in the same category, giving Beauty and the Beast three nominations for Best Original Song at that ceremony. The winning song’s ballroom sequence became one of the film’s signature moments.

Howard Ashman died in 1991 before the film’s theatrical release, and the Oscar was awarded posthumously. His lyrics and Menken’s music were central to the Broadway-influenced musical style that defined the production. The song later became the title of several soundtrack and stage versions.