Music (Original Score) Shortlist

[Sabin]

Just saw The Farewell and plan on writing something about it but it is entirely possible it captures the fifth spot. The music does a huge amount of heavy lifting.

[rolotomasi99]

Michael Giacchino (Jojo Rabbit) and Marco Beltrami & Buck Sanders (Ford V Ferrari) seem like the likeliest replacements but I don't think Michael Abels should be counted out for Us, especially considering how music-forward the film is.

I am hoping Alberto Iglesias can capture that fifth slot as PAIN & GLORY has my favorite score of the year.

[Sabin]

Mister Tee wrote
Has there ever been a year where the probable Academy field for this category has been so obvious? Pretty much everyone has Joker, Little Women, 1917 and Marriage Story as the top contenders. I realize one or more could still be eliminated, but, normally, something's already been unexpectedly ruled out, and the primary contenders are much murkier. This year is more predictable, in a positive way.

I've glanced at a few other Oscar boards for comparison and throw in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker that is the list that EVERYONE is predicting. But after listening to this compilation, I have such a hard time imagining that it's going to be as cut and dry as we think.

Alexandre Desplat (Little Women) and Thomas Newman (1917) are probably the safest bets. Considering that John Williams has announced his retirement from the Star Wars franchise, I have to imagine that The Rise of Skywalker is probably safe money as well. The only thing working against Hildur Gudnadottir is how new she is to the scene but it seems as though that is no longer a caveat so her instantly beloved score for Joker is probably the favorite to win.

I'm a bit more skeptical of Randy Newman's score for Marriage Story. It's very pretty. But it seems desperately reaching for sentiment in a way that's always struck me as a bit at odds with the rest of the film. Newman hasn't had an Oscar-nominated score since Monsters, Inc. and this is certainly his best opportunity. I seem to be cheese stands alone on this one but I'm a bit lower on his chances in such a field.

Michael Giacchino (Jojo Rabbit) and Marco Beltrami & Buck Sanders (Ford V Ferrari) seem like the likeliest replacements but I don't think Michael Abels should be counted out for Us, especially considering how music-forward the film is.

[Precious Doll]

Parasite appears to be the most glaring omission.

[Mister Tee]

Isn't the rule that John Williams gets nominated for the retread and then we see? I'm already prepared to be annoyed about it.

I guess until it DOESN'T happen some year, we do have to assume this. It'll be infuriating, to have him waste a spot that could go to Iglesias, or (not that I've see the film), the Motherless Brooklyn score.

It'd almost be better if they were to give him the win, some year. Then at least there'd be some reason for this.

[rolotomasi99]

Here is a nice compilation of almost all the shortlist scores:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdtLu4ByoKA

[Okri]

Isn't the rule that John Williams gets nominated for the retread and then we see? I'm already prepared to be annoyed about it.

[Mister Tee]

Has there ever been a year where the probable Academy field for this category has been so obvious? Pretty much everyone has Joker, Little Women, 1917 and Marriage Story as the top contenders. I realize one or more could still be eliminated, but, normally, something's already been unexpectedly ruled out, and the primary contenders are much murkier. This year is more predictable, in a positive way.

[Precious Doll]

“Avengers: Endgame”
“Bombshell”
“The Farewell”
“Ford v Ferrari”
“Frozen II”
“Jojo Rabbit”
“Joker”
“The King”
“Little Women”
“Marriage Story”
“Motherless Brooklyn”
“1917”
“Pain and Glory”
“Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker”
“Us”