Oscar Buzz: Forecasting the Best Original Score Race for 2027

The 2027 Academy Awards for Best Original Score are generating considerable excitement, with a vibrant mix of celebrated composers and promising new voices competing for the coveted golden statue. This season’s competition is particularly intense, featuring a robust lineup of artists whose work has profoundly impacted recent cinematic experiences. From seasoned veterans with multiple awards to rising stars making their mark, the category reflects the rich diversity and innovation currently present in film music. The discussions surrounding potential nominees are already heating up, indicating a thrilling race ahead as the awards circuit progresses.

Ludwig Göransson, fresh off a string of triumphs, is once again a strong contender. His compositions for “The Odyssey” follow an impressive run that includes Oscar wins for “Black Panther,” “Oppenheimer,” and “Sinners.” The 42-year-old Swedish composer’s consistent ability to deliver captivating and memorable scores positions him as a leading candidate for another Academy Award. Meanwhile, Hans Zimmer, who secured his second Oscar for “Dune” after a long-awaited recognition following “The Lion King,” enters this season with high expectations. Despite being ineligible for “Dune: Part Two,” his anticipated contributions to Denis Villeneuve’s upcoming conclusion to the series could once again place him firmly in the spotlight.

The legendary John Williams, at 94, continues to defy expectations, collaborating with Steven Spielberg on the science fiction drama “Disclosure Day.” With a staggering 54 Oscar nominations, second only to Walt Disney, Williams holds the record as the oldest Academy Award nominee, a distinction he has earned multiple times. His enduring partnership with Spielberg and his unparalleled legacy suggest that another nomination is a very real possibility, further cementing his place in cinematic history.

Significant attention is also being paid to English musician Daniel Pemberton, whose innovative and distinctive musical contributions have often been critically acclaimed but largely overlooked by the Academy. Despite creating groundbreaking scores for films like “Steve Jobs,” “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” and “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” his sole Oscar nomination to date was for a song. This year, Pemberton has an impressive six film credits, including “The Bad Guys 2,” “The Drama,” and “Project Hail Mary.” Having recently received the Distinguished Composer Award at the Middleburg Film Festival, where his live performance captivated audiences, there is growing sentiment that this could finally be the year he takes home an Oscar.

The film “Project Hail Mary” itself is emerging as a strong contender across various categories, potentially setting up an epic showdown in the score category with other technical powerhouses such as “Dune: Part Three” and “The Odyssey.” Historically, the Best Original Score award has sometimes served as a recognition for films that excel technically but might not win Best Picture, as seen with “Atonement,” “Babel,” and “The Full Monty.” If “Project Hail Mary” secures nominations across the board, an Oscar for its score would be a fitting accolade.

The field is also rich with other talents, including potential breakout artists like Raül Refree for “La Bola Negra,” Damon Albarn for “Artificial,” and Devonté Hynes for “The Invite.” Veterans such as Randy Newman for “Toy Story 5,” Michael Giacchino for “Ray Gunn,” and Alberto Iglesias for “Bitter Christmas” are also strong possibilities. Furthermore, a promising array of female composers is garnering attention, including Rebekka Karijord for “Tenzing,” Natalie Holt for “Shaun the Sheep: The Beast of Mossy Bottom,” Hildur Guðnadóttir for “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” Isobel Waller-Bridge for “The Unknown,” and Tara Nome Doyle for “Rose.”

Looking ahead, the Governors Awards are scheduled for Sunday, November 15, honoring Glenn Close and Ridley Scott. Preliminary voting for the Oscar shortlist in 12 categories will occur from December 7-11, with the announcement following on December 15. After the eligibility period closes on December 31, 2026, nominations voting will run from January 11-15, 2027. The official Oscar nominations will be unveiled on Thursday, January 21, 2027. The 99th Academy Awards ceremony, hosted by Conan O’Brien, will take place on Sunday, March 14, 2027, broadcast live from the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood.