My Thoughts on the Oscar Nominees for Best Original Score

The nominees are as follows:

Ennio Morricone for The Hateful Eight

John Williams for Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Johann Johannsson for Sicario

Thomas Newman for Bridge of Spies

Carter Burwell for Carol

So first let me say that I agree with this list. I mean sure, I would have liked to see Michael Giacchino there for Inside Out or Howard Shore there for Spotlight, but regardless this is a great list and a great contest. 

I admit I have not listened to the entire score for Hateful Eight, but from what I have heard it is classic Ennio Morricone. It is visceral and places you right into the scene. As for John Williams, he is my idol and the reason I want to become a film composer. That being said, his score for the new Star Wars film is awesome. There are those who say it isn't as good as many of his other scores, and sure that may be true. But his theme for the character Rey is absolutely beautiful, and is classic Williams. The Sicario score was a bit of a surprise, but it is also deserved. I saw Sicario in the theaters, and while I thought the film itself dragged a bit, the score never did. From the get go the score was powerful and frightening. The simple use of cellos and basses at the beginning is absolutely stellar. Johann has proven himself to be a great composer, as shown by his Oscar nod last year, and this score keeps up his good track record. Thomas Newman's Bridge of Spies score is classic Newman in that it showcases his beautiful style of composing. It is a wonderful score that works perfectly with the film. Finally, Carter Burwell's Carol score is terrific. The score paints a beautiful palate for the film, and showcase's Burwell's talent. It does seem to have one note for most of the score, meaning that there is not that much thematic material. But it still works quite well. 

So there you have it. If I were to choose right now who was going to win, I might say Williams. Not because it was necessarily the best score, but to honor Williams again for his fabulous contribution to film. That being said, the Star Wars: The Force Awakens score is fantastic. If I were to choose a second place, I would maybe say Newman because he has yet to win an Oscar, and his Bridge of Spies score was wonderful. 

Which composer do you think should have been nominated? Who do you think will win? Let me know in the comments section!