The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is set to unveil its Academy Award shortlists in ten categories on December 17, with a notable change in the Best Original Score category, which will expand from 15 to 20 shortlisted scores for the first time. The Best Original Song shortlist will remain at 15 entries.
Nominations will be determined through voting held from January 8 to 12, with the official announcement of nominations scheduled for January 17. Following this, final-round voting will occur from February 11 to 18, leading up to the 2025 Oscars, which will take place on March 2.
Among the anticipated contenders for Best Original Song are:
– “Forbidden Road,” co-written by Sacha Skarbek, Freddy Wexler, and Robbie Williams, which features in the biographical film *Better Man* about Williams.
– “Winter Coat,” composed by Nicholas Britell and Steve McQueen, also highlights the achievement of Taura Stinson, who could make history with another nomination.
– “Never Too Late” by Elton John and his collaborators showcases his continued prowess in this prestigious category.
Noteworthy also is the duo of Clément Ducol and Camille Dalmais, who authored multiple songs for the film *Emilia Pérez*, with the potential for two nominations from a single film.
The Best Original Score category sees talent like Benjamin Wallfisch for *Alien: Romulus*, Hans Zimmer for *Blitz*, and Clément Ducol and Camille Dalmais for *Emilia Pérez*. Both Wallfisch and Ducol could earn their first Oscar nominations, while Zimmer adds to his extensive nomination history.
This year’s nominees, with their diverse backgrounds and rich experiences, highlight a promising shift towards recognizing a wider range of talented creators in the industry.
Overall, the Academy’s decision to expand the shortlist signifies a commitment to inclusivity and the broadening of perspectives in film music. This enhancement could allow for greater recognition of innovative work in cinema, fostering hope for a more diverse set of nominees and celebrating the creativity of artists across genres.
As the award season approaches, excitement builds not only for the potential nominees but also for the acknowledgment of a more varied group of creators in the film scoring and songwriting landscape.