Not surprised that the song "Now It Can Be Told" was nominated (Alexander's Ragtime Band)--it's one of my favorites of Irving Berlin's huge catalogue of songs, and also that of the picture (and that moment when they realize they are in love).
What blew me away were some of the films that *didn't* get a nomination. The most glaring, imho, was "Jesse James." You'd think for color cinematography (!) if nothing else. Weird.
Also was surprised that "Zorro.." didn't get a photography/cinematagrapny nod. More strangeness, imnsho.
considering that Alfred Hitchcock, Chaplin, Garbo (!) never got one he's in good company. On the other hand you had someone like Harold Russell, good as he was, win while, yes, someone like TP doesn't even get a nod. Just goes to show how political (and unimportant!) the whole darned thing is, IMHO.
And yes, I believe you're right Melody, nominations are by their peers. (I always put more creadend in the NY film critics awards, to be honest.)