The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is set to announce its Academy Award shortlists on December 17, revealing a notable change this year: the list of shortlisted scores will increase from 15 to 20. However, the shortlist for best song will remain unchanged at 15 entries.
Voting for nominations will take place from January 8 to 12, with nominees announced on January 17. The final voting round will occur from February 11 to 18, leading up to the Oscars ceremony on March 2, 2025. Billboard has provided insights on some potential contenders for the categories of best original song and best original score.
In the best original song category, contenders include “Forbidden Road” from the biopic *Better Man*, penned by Grammy-nominated songwriters including Robbie Williams; “Winter Coat,” featuring contributions from Nicholas Britell and Steve McQueen; and “Never Too Late,” a collaboration involving Elton John and Brandi Carlile. Another highlight is “Beyond,” written by the Grammy-winning duo Barlow & Bear, which could be the first all-woman song nominated since 2020.
For best original score, notable entries include Benjamin Wallfisch for *Alien: Romulus*, and Hans Zimmer for *Blitz*. The category sees established composers such as Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, who have previously won Oscars, returning with scores for both *Challengers* and *Queer*. Additionally, newcomers like Tamar-kali and Clément Ducol are recognized along with the possibility of multiple nominations for the same film.
This year’s nominations highlight the diversity of talent and creativity in the music composition industry, showcasing both seasoned professionals and emerging artists. The increase in shortlisted scores reflects a growing recognition of the importance of musical contributions to filmmaking.
This promising shift in the nomination process not only opens new opportunities for recognition in the music realm but also enhances the overall appreciation for the artistry involved in film scoring, providing an optimistic outlook for future Oscar seasons.
Overall, this year promises an exciting lineup of musical talents vying for recognition, and it will be intriguing to see how the Academy acknowledges their contributions come January.