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The race for Best Original Score at the 99th Academy Awards is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory. Established giants, potential breakout artists and long-overlooked composers are all in the mix for what promises to be a fiercely contested category.
Frontrunners Enter with Strong Track Records
Ludwig Göransson arrives as a formidable force. The 42-year-old Swedish composer has already won three Oscars, for “Black Panther” (2018), “Oppenheimer” (2023) and “Sinners” (2025). His work on “The Odyssey” puts him firmly in contention for a fourth.
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Meanwhile, Hans Zimmer is also expected to be a major player. After winning his second Oscar for “Dune” (2021), the German composer was ineligible for “Dune: Part Two.” However, he reportedly developed entirely new, original cues for Denis Villeneuve’s upcoming conclusion, “Dune: Part Three,” due in December.
At 94, John Williams shows no signs of slowing down. He reunites with director Steven Spielberg on the sci-fi drama “Disclosure Day.” Williams holds 54 Oscar nominations — the second-most in history behind Walt Disney — and remains the oldest nominee in any Academy Award category, a record he has broken three times himself.
Could This Be Daniel Pemberton’s Year?
Much of the early conversation centers on English composer Daniel Pemberton. Despite delivering acclaimed scores for films such as “Steve Jobs” (2015), “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (2018) and “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” (2023), he has received only one Oscar nomination — as a songwriter for “Hear My Voice” from “The Trial of the Chicago 7” (2020).
This year, Pemberton contributes music to six films: “The Bad Guys 2,” “The Drama,” “Ink,” “Masters of the Universe,” “Musk” and “Project Hail Mary.” He also received the Distinguished Composer Award at the Middleburg Film Festival, where he performed live with a full orchestra to a standing ovation. Many observers are now asking whether this could finally be his Oscar moment.
“Project Hail Mary” itself appears headed for broad awards recognition. However, it faces stiff competition in the score category from “Dune: Part Three” and “The Odyssey.” Historically, Best Original Score has sometimes served as a consolation prize for strong Best Picture contenders, as seen with “Atonement” (2007), “Babel” (2006) and “Finding Neverland” (2004).
Other Contenders Worth Watching
Several veterans remain in the picture, including Randy Newman (“Toy Story 5”), Michael Giacchino (“Ray Gunn”) and Alberto Iglesias (“Bitter Christmas”). Newcomers such as Damon Albarn (“Artificial”), Raül Refree (“La Bola Negra”) and Devonté Hynes (“The Invite”) could also emerge as surprise contenders.
In addition, a group of female composers deserves attention. These include Hildur Guðnadóttir (“28 Years Later: The Bone Temple”), Rebekka Karijord (“Tenzing”), Isobel Waller-Bridge (“The Unknown”) and Tara Nome Doyle (“Rose”).
The 99th Oscars ceremony takes place on Sunday, March 14, 2027, hosted by Conan O’Brien. The show airs live at 7 p.m. ET on ABC from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood. Official nominations will be announced on January 21, 2027.
