2025 Oscars Best Original Score Predictions

Best Original Score Commentary (Updated Dec. 18, 2024): It wasn’t just a matter of which melodies made the cut — it was a celebration of the extraordinary diversity, innovation, and the occasional curveball these categories can reliably deliver. With the shortlist for score expanding from 15 to 20 for the first time, the room for surprises was well taken by the branch members. Meanwhile, in the original song, the race brought its usual mix of blockbuster crowd-pleasers, indie gems, and, of course, Diane Warren.

What immediately stood out in score? Women composers — too often overlooked in this category — claimed a striking presence this year. Chanda Dancy (“Blink Twice”), Camille (“Emilia Pérez”), Tamar-kali (“The Fire Inside”), Andrea Datzman (“Inside Out 2”) and Amelia Warner (“Young Woman and the Sea”) are among the five still in the running.

Cristobal Tapia de Veer, fresh off the success of “The White Lotus,” landed a slot for his unsettling and experimental “Babygirl.” At the same time, Benjamin Wallfisch’s channeling of suspense and dread in “Alien: Romulus” had a very impressive showing.

Considering the legends attached– Stephen Sondheim and John Powell, one wonders if “Wicked” can crack the eventual lineup. It’s certainly in the running.

Yet heavyweights like Oscar winners Alan Silvestri’s “Here,” Alexandre Desplat’s “The Piano Lesson,” and Jon Batiste’s “Saturday Night” were shockingly left out. Two buzzy indie darlings — “Nickel Boys” and “The Substance” — also missed the cut, despite whispers of potential breakouts.

With 145 eligible contenders this year, narrowing the list to 20 was never easy, and now five will be even more difficult.

The 97th Oscars will be held on Sunday, March 2. All movie listings, titles, distributors, and credited artisans are not final and are subject to change.

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More Information (Oscars: Original Score)

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About the Academy Awards

The Academy Awards, better known as the Oscars, is Hollywood’s most prestigious artistic award in the film industry. Since 1927, nominees and winners have been selected by members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). Nineteen branches are represented within the nearly 11,000-person membership. The branches are actors, animators, associates, casting directors, cinematographers, costume designers, directors, documentary, executives, film editors, makeup and hairstylists, marketing and public relations, members-at-large, members-at-large (artists’ representatives), music, producers, production design, short films, sound, visual effects and writers.