The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is set to unveil its shortlists for the Academy Awards on December 17, with notable changes in the best original score category, which will increase from 15 to 20 shortlisted scores, while the best song shortlist stays at 15. The voting period for nominations will occur from January 8 to 12, with the announcement set for January 17. The final voting will take place from February 11 to 18, culminating in the Oscars ceremony on March 2, 2025.
Highlighted potential nominees in the best original song category include “Forbidden Road” from the biographical film about Robbie Williams, “Winter Coat” from the film Blitz, and “Never Too Late” from Elton John: Never Too Late. Other notable mentions feature Pharrell Williams with two entries for “For Real” and “Piece by Piece” from the animated film of the same name, as well as “Beautiful That Way,” co-written by Miley Cyrus.
The best original score category features a diverse array of composers, including Benjamin Wallfisch for “Alien: Romulus” and Hans Zimmer for “Blitz.” Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross are expected contenders with their score for “Challengers.” Additionally, Clément Ducol and Camille Dalmais are looking to make their mark with their work on “Emilia Pérez.”
As the music landscape evolves, the Academy’s expanded shortlist reflects a commitment to highlighting a broader range of talent and diverse sounds in film music, providing more opportunity for artists across genres. This is an encouraging step for inclusivity and creativity in the industry, paving the way for exciting developments in future awards.
With anticipation building for the Oscars, fans can look forward to seeing how these nominees shape the awards landscape, particularly those highlighting emerging talent and new voices in music composition. It’s a celebration of creativity and artistry that enriches the cinematic experience, and the anticipation surrounding the nominees will undoubtedly add to the excitement of the upcoming awards season.