In honor of the Academy Awards streaming this Sunday, we have compiled a list of Oscar winners for Best Movie Soundtracks throughout the decade:
2012
Life Of Pi – Mychael Danna
The ‘Life of Pi’ soundtrack album, composed and produced by Mychael Danna, accompanies the 2012 film directed by Ang Lee. Released in November 2012 by Sony Classical, the album features Indian classical music. It received critical acclaim and won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Original Score.
2013
Gravity – Steven Price
The ‘Gravity: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack’ is the soundtrack album for the 2013 science fiction thriller film “Gravity,” composed by British film composer Steven Price. Released via the WaterTower Music label, Price’s score received widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences. It led to Price winning and receiving nominations for various Best Original Score awards at ceremonies such as the BAFTA Awards, Satellite Awards, Academy Awards, and a Golden Globe Award nomination.
2014
Grand Budapest Hotel – Alexandre Desplat
‘The Grand Budapest Hotel: Original Soundtrack’ is composed by Alexandre Desplat for the 2014 film directed by Wes Anderson. Released on March 4, 2014, the album features classical music inspired by Central European regions, utilizing exotic instruments like the balalaika. It won Desplat his first Academy Award for Best Original Score and received critical acclaim as one of his best works.
2015
The Hateful Eight – Ennio Morricone
‘The Hateful Eight (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)’ is the soundtrack album for Quentin Tarantino’s 2015 film “The Hateful Eight,” featuring the first complete original score for a Tarantino film composed by Ennio Morricone. Morricone created 50 minutes of original music, marking his return to Western film scoring for the first time since 1981. The score incorporates horror references, including music from John Carpenter’s “The Thing” and “Regan’s Theme” from “The Exorcist II.” Additionally, the album includes songs by The White Stripes, David Hess, and Roy Orbison, along with dialogue clips from the film. The soundtrack won a Golden Globe and Academy Award for Best Original Score and received a Grammy nomination.
2016
La La Land – Justin Hurwitz
‘La La Land’ is a musical film directed by Damien Chazelle, with a soundtrack composed by Justin Hurwitz. The music captures the essence of old Hollywood musicals while infusing modern elements. Released in 2016, the soundtrack features catchy tunes that received critical acclaim. Justin Hurwitz won numerous awards for his work on the soundtrack, including Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song.
2017
The Shape of Water – Alexandre Desplat
‘The Shape of Water’ is a fantasy film directed by Guillermo del Toro, with a soundtrack composed by Alexandre Desplat. Released in 2017, the soundtrack complements the film’s romantic and otherworldly atmosphere. Alexandre Desplat’s score received widespread praise and won several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Original Score. It is celebrated for its ability to enhance the emotional depth and whimsical elements of the film.
2018
Black Panther – Ludwig Göransson
‘Black Panther’ is a superhero film directed by Ryan Coogler, with a soundtrack composed by Ludwig Göransson. Released in 2018, the soundtrack blends traditional African music with contemporary hip-hop and orchestral elements, reflecting the film’s themes of heritage and identity. Ludwig Göransson’s score received critical acclaim, earning him accolades including the Academy Award for Best Original Score. The soundtrack’s innovative fusion of styles helped elevate the film’s cultural impact and contributed to its success.
2019
Joker – Hildur Guðnadóttir
‘Joker’ is a psychological thriller film directed by Todd Phillips, with a soundtrack composed by Hildur Guðnadóttir. Released in 2019, the soundtrack features haunting and atmospheric compositions that mirror the descent into madness of the film’s protagonist, Arthur Fleck. Hildur Guðnadóttir’s score received widespread acclaim, earning her numerous awards including the Academy Award for Best Original Score, making her the first woman to win the award solo since 1997. The soundtrack’s minimalist yet powerful compositions contributed significantly to the film’s dark and unsettling tone, solidifying its place as a standout element of ‘Joker’.
2020
Soul – Jon Batiste, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
‘Soul’ is an animated film directed by Pete Docter and Kemp Powers, featuring a soundtrack composed by Jon Batiste, Trent Reznor, and Atticus Ross. Released in 2020, the soundtrack combines jazz compositions by Jon Batiste with experimental and electronic elements by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross. The music serves as a reflection of the film’s exploration of life, purpose, and the afterlife. The soundtrack received widespread acclaim, winning several awards including the Academy Award for Best Original Score.
2021
Dune – Hans Zimmer
‘Dune’ is a science fiction film directed by Denis Villeneuve, featuring a soundtrack composed by Hans Zimmer. Released in 2021, the soundtrack complements the epic and grandiose scale of the film, capturing the otherworldly landscapes and intense emotions of the story. Hans Zimmer’s score received critical acclaim for its atmospheric and immersive qualities, enhancing the cinematic experience of “Dune.” The soundtrack showcases Zimmer’s mastery of orchestration and electronic elements, contributing to the film’s powerful narrative and visual spectacle.
2022
All Quiet on the Western Front – Volker Bertelmann
‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ is a war drama film directed by Edward Berger, featuring a soundtrack composed by Volker Bertelmann. Released in 2022, the soundtrack enhances the emotional depth and intensity of the film, capturing the horrors and tragedies of war. Volker Bertelmann’s score received praise for its haunting and evocative compositions, which underscore the themes of loss, sacrifice, and camaraderie depicted in the movie. The soundtrack contributes significantly to the overall atmosphere and storytelling of “All Quiet on the Western Front,” cementing Bertelmann’s talent as a composer.
