Come January, it's possible that we could be referring to Beyonce Knowles and Miley Cyrus as Oscar nominees.

The performers are each eligible for a Best Original Song Oscar nominations for co-writing tunes for their new movies. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences said Tuesday that 49 songs from films in 2008 are eligible in all.

Knowles co-wrote the song "Once in a Lifetime" for "Cadillac Records," while Cyrus co-wrote "I Thought I Lost You" for "Bolt." Knowles plays Etta James in her film and Cyrus stars as one of the voices in the animated "Bolt" opposite John Travolta.

Other pop stars who could snag a Best Original Song Oscar nomination include Peter Gabriel, for "Down to Earth" from "WALL-E," Regina Spektor for "The Call" from "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" and Bruce Springsteen for "The Wrestler" from "The Wrestler."

Clint Eastwood could also earn an Oscar nomination for writing "Gran Torino" from "Gran Torino."

Several "High School Musical 3" songs are eligible for song nominations, as is "Rock Me Sexy Jesus" from "Hamlet 2."

The nominations for the 81st annual Academy Awards will be announced Jan. 22 in Beverly Hills, Calif. The Oscars will be handed out Feb. 22 in Hollywood.

Actor Hugh Jackman will host this year's event.