As film scoring continues to evolve, the world of cinematic music has never been more diverse. This broad spectrum, ranging from jazz to classical and even avant-garde and hip-hop, has posed an exciting yet challenging puzzle for Academy voters. In our exploration, we’ve compiled a fascinating lineup of 16 potential choices for the Oscars, each showcasing its unique musical flair. Join us on this journey through the rich array of top contenders vying for recognition in the top oscar contenders 2024 score race.
Top Oscar Contenders 2024
American Fiction – Laura Karpman
Composer Laura Karpman’s score for Cord Jefferson’s film takes inspiration from the jazz icon Thelonious Monk, crafting a blend of small-combo, piano-centric jazz. Her acclaimed work in this smaller-scale film may hold potential for recognition, given her history as an Emmy recipient and her significant roles within the film music industry.
‘Barbie‘ – Mark Ronson, Andrew Wyatt
Grammy-winning songwriters Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt ventured into the world of film scoring for the year’s blockbuster hit, “Barbie.” Their beat-heavy, synth-laden sound accompanied the adventures of Barbie and her entourage, a challenge they embraced despite being first-time score composers.
‘The Color Purple‘ – Kris Bowers
Kris Bowers, known for his work in “Bridgerton” and “Green Book,” contributed to the musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s novel. Crafting diverse musical tones, from intimate moments to grand orchestral sequences, Bowers’ score encompassed various emotional landscapes, aided by his collaboration with a Ghanaian percussionist for authenticity.
‘Elemental‘ – Thomas Newman
Thomas Newman, a seasoned composer with multiple nominations, lent his musical talents to Pixar’s “Elemental.” Creating an imaginative sonic world for the film’s fiery and aquatic settings, Newman sought a balance between traditional orchestral sounds and unconventional musical hues to resonate with audiences.
‘The Holdovers‘ – Mark Orton
For Alexander Payne’s film set in a 1970s Massachusetts, composer Mark Orton drew on classic rock and folk-rock influences, employing guitars, keyboards, and rhythm sections. His familiarity with the film’s location inspired the authentic portrayal of wintry scenes through music, emphasizing a raw, organic musicality reminiscent of the era.
‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny‘ – John Williams
John Williams, with 53 Oscar nominations and five wins, might receive his 54th nomination with the musical centerpiece for the fifth installment of the Indiana Jones franchise. The theme for Helena resonates with an earlier era of film scoring, as Williams conducted an 86-piece L.A. orchestra, delivering two hours of music.
‘Killers of the Flower Moon‘ – Robbie Robertson
Collaborating with Martin Scorsese for the 10th time, the late Robbie Robertson’s music for this film, rooted in Native American heritage, marked a poignant milestone. Imbued with peyote hymns and tribal tonalities, Robertson’s music echoes the timeless textures of Native American culture.
‘Napoleon‘ – Martin Phipps
Crafting the score for Ridley Scott’s period epic, Martin Phipps delved into Napoleon’s story as an outsider. He captured the essence of Napoleon’s origins through simple melodies, Corsican ensemble vocals, and period-inspired themes, including accordion pieces and stirring battle music.
‘Nyad‘ – Alexandre Desplat
In his composition for the story of Diana Nyad, Alexandre Desplat weaved an emotive musical narrative using an unconventional blend of guitars, bass guitar, strings, and percussion. Reflecting Nyad’s journey, Desplat’s score intertwines various emotional moments, including childhood memories and moments of adversity.
‘Oppenheimer‘ – Ludwig Göransson
Ludwig Göransson’s second collaboration with Christopher Nolan demanded a multifaceted musical landscape, tracing Oppenheimer’s emotional journey from loneliness to the nuclear age. Through orchestral richness and modern production, Göransson created an evocative sonic experience.
‘Poor Things‘ – Jerskin Fendrix
Yorgos Lanthimos’ black comedy-fantasy was elevated by Jerskin Fendrix’s unconventional musicality. Fendrix’s debut film score illuminated the psychological depths of the protagonist, using an array of instruments and experimental sounds to evoke an eerie, haunting atmosphere.
‘Rustin‘ – Branford Marsalis
Composing for George C. Wolfe’s film, Branford Marsalis captured the diverse musicality of the 1960s. His score spans big-band numbers, Elizabethan-era songs, and orchestral drama, reflecting the multifaceted era and Rustin’s pivotal role in the Civil Rights movement.
‘Saltburn‘ – Anthony Willis
Anthony Willis, in collaboration with Emerald Fennell, known for her screenplay win for “Promising Young Woman,” composed the score for “Saltburn,” a psychological thriller centered on a young Oxford student’s intriguing alliance with a wealthy classmate, delving into the intricacies of high society.
Willis’ score draws inspiration from an 18th-century Handel anthem, representing Oxford’s grandeur. Fennell’s directive to infuse romanticism into the music led to a blend of organ, piano, cello, and choral compositions, with ’90s-style music intensifying the climactic scenes at the family estate.
‘Society of the Snow‘ – Michael Giacchino
Michael Giacchino, renowned for his works like “Up” and “Lost,” crafts a gripping musical narrative for the haunting tale of survival following the 1972 Andes plane crash. Guided by empathy for the victims, Giacchino’s score, predominantly strings, choir (singing in the Mapache language), and Latin percussion, embodies the emotional journey and resilience of the survivors.
‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse‘ – Daniel Pemberton
Daniel Pemberton elevates the sequel’s score, absorbing diverse musical influences for each Spider-Verse character. Fusing hip-hop for Miles Morales, grunge for Gwen Stacy, punk for Hobie Brown, and synths for the 2099 Spidey, Pemberton maneuvers a multifaceted soundscape reflecting the characters’ distinct personas.
Also read: 9 Best Horror Movies On Netflix To Watch Now
‘Wish‘ – Dave Metzger
Disney’s animated musical “Wish” intertwines Grammy-winning songs by Julia Michaels and Benjamin Rice with a score orchestrated by Disney veteran Dave Metzger. Utilizing a 100-piece orchestra and a 24-voice choir, Metzger weaves a musical tapestry evoking a medieval Mediterranean ambiance, employing flamenco guitar, darbuka drum, and oboe d’amore to establish the film’s essence and harmonize songs seamlessly into the score.
Amidst a landscape of diverse musical expressions, the 16 contenders for the top oscar contenders 2024 exemplify the boundless creativity within film scoring, promising an exciting and dynamic year ahead for cinematic music enthusiasts and industry observers alike.
