Best Original Score Oscar 2023: Who Will Win?

The Academy Award for Best Original Score is one of the most anticipated categories every year. Guys, who doesn't love a great movie soundtrack? The Best Original Score Oscar celebrates the composers who create the unforgettable music that elevates films to new heights. For the 2023 Oscars, the competition is fierce, with a diverse range of scores vying for the coveted golden statue. Let's dive into the nominees and analyze their chances of winning. We'll explore the unique qualities of each score, the composers behind them, and the impact their music had on their respective films.

The Nominees

• Volker Bertelmann - All Quiet on the Western Front
• Justin Hurwitz - Babylon
• Carter Burwell - The Banshees of Inisherin
• Son Lux - Everything Everywhere All at Once
• John Williams - The Fabelmans

Analyzing the Scores

Volker Bertelmann - All Quiet on the Western Front

Volker Bertelmann, also known as Hauschka, crafted a haunting and innovative score for All Quiet on the Western Front. His music masterfully captures the bleakness and horror of World War I, using unconventional instrumentation and techniques to create a truly unsettling atmosphere. The score avoids traditional orchestral grandeur, opting instead for a minimalist approach that emphasizes the psychological toll of war. Bertelmann's use of prepared piano, distorted sounds, and dissonant harmonies creates a sense of unease and dread, perfectly complementing the film's stark visuals and unflinching portrayal of trench warfare. The score's power lies in its ability to convey the emotional and physical devastation experienced by the young soldiers, making it a deeply impactful and unforgettable listening experience. All Quiet on the Western Front really hit hard, and the score is a huge part of that. He's a strong contender for the Oscar.

Justin Hurwitz - Babylon

Justin Hurwitz, the Oscar-winning composer behind La La Land, returns with another dazzling and ambitious score for Babylon. His music for Damien Chazelle's epic ode to Hollywood's Golden Age is a vibrant and energetic blend of jazz, orchestral music, and electronic elements. Hurwitz's score perfectly captures the frenetic energy and decadent excess of the Roaring Twenties, creating a sense of both excitement and chaos. The music is bold, brassy, and infectious, reflecting the film's larger-than-life characters and their pursuit of fame and fortune. Hurwitz's score is not only a celebration of the era's music but also a commentary on the darker side of Hollywood, hinting at the transience and superficiality of the dream factory. Babylon's soundtrack is an absolute banger, and Justin Hurwitz might just snag another Oscar for this one! The sheer scope and ambition of this score make it a standout among the nominees. His previous win for La La Land certainly gives him an edge, as the Academy clearly appreciates his talent and vision. This score really transports you back to the roaring twenties.

Carter Burwell - The Banshees of Inisherin

Carter Burwell's score for The Banshees of Inisherin is a delicate and melancholic accompaniment to Martin McDonagh's dark comedy-drama. His music reflects the film's themes of isolation, friendship, and the complexities of human relationships. Burwell's score relies heavily on traditional Irish folk instruments, creating a sense of authenticity and capturing the beauty and ruggedness of the Irish landscape. The music is understated and subtle, but it is incredibly effective in enhancing the film's emotional impact. Burwell's score perfectly captures the quiet desperation and underlying sadness of the characters, making it a truly moving and memorable listening experience. It is a score that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll. The score provides the perfect emotional backdrop to the film's poignant story. The Banshees of Inisherin has already garnered critical acclaim. The subtle beauty of Burwell's score is hard to deny.

Son Lux - Everything Everywhere All at Once

Son Lux's score for Everything Everywhere All at Once is a mind-bending and genre-defying musical experience that perfectly complements the film's chaotic and surreal narrative. His music is a fusion of electronic, orchestral, and experimental elements, creating a soundscape that is both exhilarating and disorienting. The score reflects the film's exploration of parallel universes and the interconnectedness of all things, incorporating a wide range of musical styles and influences. Son Lux's music is constantly shifting and evolving, mirroring the film's unpredictable plot and its characters' emotional journeys. The score is not only a sonic representation of the film's multiverse but also a powerful expression of love, loss, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. Everything Everywhere All at Once has become a cultural phenomenon. This score is just as wild and inventive as the movie itself!

John Williams - The Fabelmans

John Williams, the legendary composer behind some of the most iconic film scores of all time, including Star Wars, Jaws, and E.T., is nominated for his work on Steven Spielberg's The Fabelmans. His score for this semi-autobiographical film is a nostalgic and heartwarming tribute to the power of cinema and the importance of family. Williams' music is characteristically lush and melodic, evoking a sense of wonder and innocence. The score perfectly captures the film's coming-of-age story and its celebration of the magic of filmmaking. Williams' score is a testament to his enduring talent and his ability to create music that resonates with audiences of all ages. At 90 years young, a win for Williams would be a truly historic moment! This nomination marks his 53rd, making him the most nominated living person in Academy Award history. His legacy speaks for itself, and the Academy loves to honor him. A win for The Fabelmans would be a fitting capstone to an already legendary career.

Predictions

Predicting the winner of the Best Original Score Oscar is always a challenge, as the Academy's tastes can be unpredictable. However, based on critical reception, audience response, and the overall impact of the films, here are my predictions:

• Frontrunner: Justin Hurwitz - Babylon
• Contenders: Volker Bertelmann - All Quiet on the Western Front, John Williams - The Fabelmans
• Dark Horse: Son Lux - Everything Everywhere All at Once

While all five nominees are deserving of recognition, I believe that Justin Hurwitz's bold and innovative score for Babylon has the edge. His music is both memorable and impactful, and it perfectly captures the spirit of the film. However, Volker Bertelmann's haunting score for All Quiet on the Western Front and John Williams' sentimental score for The Fabelmans are also strong contenders. And don't count out Son Lux. His genre-bending score for Everything Everywhere All at Once could surprise everyone.

Why the Best Original Score Matters

The Best Original Score Oscar is important because it recognizes the vital role that music plays in filmmaking. A great score can elevate a film from good to great, enhancing its emotional impact, creating atmosphere, and telling stories in ways that words cannot. The composers who create these scores are true artists, and their work deserves to be celebrated.

The best original score is more than just background music; it's an integral part of the storytelling process. It sets the tone, amplifies the emotions, and guides the audience through the narrative. Think about some of your favorite movies – can you imagine them without their iconic scores? The music often becomes as memorable as the visuals and the dialogue.

The Academy Awards are a chance to honor these musical storytellers and to recognize their contributions to the art of cinema. It also calls attention to the art of film scoring and encourages aspiring composers to pursue their dreams. The recognition can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations, allowing them to continue creating the music that we love.

So, guys, as we gear up for the 2023 Oscars, let's appreciate the incredible talent and artistry of these nominated composers. Whether it's the haunting sounds of war, the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, or the heartwarming melodies of family, their music has the power to move us, inspire us, and transport us to other worlds. And that's why the Best Original Score Oscar truly matters.