Search on for 100 top movie songs

Julie Andrews' turn in The Sound of Music saw her nominated for an Oscar

The hunt is on to find the best 100 movie songs with singers like Bing Crosby, Eminem and Al Jolsen competing.

US Directors, actors and critics are being invited by the American Film Institute (AFI) to pick their favourites from a suggested 400 titles.

Among those on the shortlist include songs from The Sound of Music, Casablanca, White Christmas, Chicago and 8 Mile.

The final results will be revealed in an AFI US TV special in June 2004.

Catherine Zeta Jones and Renee Zellweger's duet All That Jazz from the screen version of Chicago also finds itself in contention, alongside Nicole Kidman and Ewan McGregor's rendition of Come What May from Moulin Rouge.

The 1,500 voters are also allowed to submit their own favourites not included among the 400 nominees.

The AFI has compiled a number of top 100s including favourite horror movie scene, greatest love stories and funniest films ever made.

"My prediction is this will be among the most passionate in terms of the response, both in a positive way and in kind of a rancorous way when someone's favourite song isn't on the list," said Bob Gazzale, a producer on the TV special.

"People are so passionate about their favourite movies and favourite songs, and bringing the two together is a rather explosive combination."