Oscars - Interview with John Williams, Gustavo Santaolalla, and Gustavo Dudamel

On July 21, 2014, The Academy held a special event "Behind the Score: The Art of the Film Composer" at LACMA's Bing Theater.  Below you will find six wonderful excerpts of a panel discussion with composer John Williams, Gustavo Santaolalla, and Gustavo Dudamel - hosted by Tavis Smiley.

They address questions such as: "What is the power of  film music to connect us to characters in film?"  "What they, as composers, wish for the audience to take away from the movies they score and the music they write."  "How do subtitles in a film effect your composition?"

SoundCast 57 - 2012 Genius Choice Vote Winners

Jeremy Meyers join the team to reveal all of the winners from this year's Genius Choice Vote!  We are joined by special guest, composer Matt Uelmann (Torchlight II)! WHYBLT? is back as well as Sidetracks, where we discuss John Williams apparent interest in scoring the next Star Wars film and lastly we talk about (or become) the Oscar Whiners.


Episode Highlights


00:00 Genius, sheer genius...
00:45 Welcome and Intros
03:20 WHYBLT? Jack the Giant Slayer, A Good Day to Die Hard, Evil Dead, Transformers
09:35 WHYBLT? Onimusha, Tron Uprising, Mirrors Edge
14:15 WHYBLT? In Country, Emporer
20:20 Sidetracks:  John Williams wants to score the next Star Wars?
33:38 Sidetracks: Oscar Whiners
46:01 2012 Genius Choice Vote Winner: Best Dramatic Score
47:56 2012 Genius Choice Vote Winner: Record Label of the Year
48:40 2012 Genius Choice Vote Winner: Best Animated Score
50:04 2012 Genius Choice Vote Winner: Best Television Score
51:41 2012 Genius Choice Vote Winner: Surprise of the Year
53:34 2012 Genius Choice Vote Winner: Best Action Score
55:00 2012 Genius Choice Vote Winner: The Monkey King Award
57:00 2012 Genius Choice Vote Winner: Best Cue
59:27 2012 Genius Choice Vote Winner: Best Video Game Score
60:28 2012 Genius Choice Vote Winner: Breakout Composer of the Year
62:05 2012 Genius Choice Vote Winner: Most Memorable Theme
64:14 2012 Genius Choice Vote Winner: The Marius Award
65:23 Interview with Composer Matt Uelmen (Torchlight II)
79:33 2012 Genius Choice Vote Winner: Composer of the Year
81:00 2012 Genius Choice Vote Winner: Best Overall Score
83:21 Genius comments and upcoming episodes


Music Selections


00:00 "With A Little Help From My Friends" by Joe Cocker
03:27 "Jack and Isabelle" (Jack the Giant Slayer) by John Ottman
05:55 "McClane's Brain" (A Good Day to Die Hard) by Marco Beltrami
10:35 "戦慄の教師" (Battle Royale) by Masamichi Asano
12:16 "Beck's Theme" (Tron: Uprising) by Joesph Trapanese
14:57 "Distant Memories"(In Country) by James Horner
17:57 "Time is Running Out" (Emporer) by Alex Heffes
21:12 "The Dune Sea Of Tatooine-Jawa Sandcrawler" (Star Wars IV) by John Williams
32:26 "The Pit Of Carkoon-Sail Barge Assault" (Star Wars VI) by John Williams
40:27 "Main Title (I Had A Farm In Africa)" Out of Africa by JOhn Barry
43:03 "God Storm" (Life of Pi) by Mychael Danna
46:36 "Leaving India" (Life of Pi) by Mychael Danna
49:01 "Merida's Home" (Brave) by Patrick Doyle
51:59 "Awakening" Halo 4) by Neil Davidge
53:53 "My Dear Frodo" (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey) by Howard Shore
55:14 "Man of Destiny" (Unmei No Hito ) by Naoki Sato
57:18 "Overhill" (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey) by Howard Shore
59:42 "Threshold" (Journey) by Austin Wintory
60:52 "The Impossible Main Title" (The Impossible) by Fernando Velasquez
62:31 "Misty Mountains" (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey) by Howard Shore
64:31 "Torchlight II Title Theme" (Torchlight II) by Matt Uelmann
78:40 "Torchlight II Title Theme" (Torchlight II) by Matt Uelmann
81:31 "Roast Mutton (Extended)" (The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey) by Howard Shore
91:55 "With A Little Help From My Friends" by Joe Cocker

Additional Notes:

The full interview with composer Matt Uelmen will be released in a separate bonus episode!

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Celebrate the Music: 84th Academy Awards by Hans Zimmer and Pharrell Williams

And Then There Were 84
Review by Christopher Coleman

My best guess says I've watched about 25 of the 84 Academy Award ceremonies over the course of my life. I maintain that I continue to find the shows enjoyable simply due to the fact that the Oscars are not as much about Hollywood patting itself on the back as it is a simple celebration of the movies themselves. I’m obliged to one Tom Cruise for repeating a very similar statement just before announcing the winner for Best Picture. (I had no idea that he followed us on twitter!) All and all, I’d have to concede that this year’s Oscar ceremonies wer just about par for the course. There were some good moments, bad moments, and moments of “memefication.” Eh, Ms. Jolie?

Aside from Cirque Du Soleil’s short, but mesmerizing performance, another remarkable facet to this year’s show was the fact that composer HANS ZIMMER and PHARRELL WILLIAMS were in charge of the night’s music - giving the ceremonies a decidedly different musical vibe from previous years. To my pleasant surprise, a short digial release of Zimmer and company’s music debuted on iTunes the day after.

Right from the onset of the show and this release, HANS ZIMMER and company make it clear that this is not going to be your Papa’s Oscar music. Infusing a sense of expectancy and anticipation with subtle grandeur, well deserving of an Oscar setting, is Zimmer’s title theme, “Celebrate the Oscars” (1). The theme provides the backbone for this 8 track release. While a couple of tracks deviate from the course that this piece sets, by the time you finish listening through the 28 minutes of music, the musical motifs established in this opening track are what will remember most.


READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE

SoundCast Ep. 39 - Oscars - I Think There's a Buzz!

Episode 39 - OSCARS: I THINK THERE’S A BUZZ.

In our annual Oscar prediction show, Michael Coleman (SoundWorksCollection.com) joins in. They also react to the Awards given out thus far and sidetrack on “What is an iconic score?”

Episode Highlights

00:00 — I think I hear a buzz.
01:27 — Welcome and Intro:  Michael Coleman (SoundworksCollection.com)
04:10 — WHYBLT? James Horner, Crysis 2
06:44 — WHYBLT? Joe Hisaishi
07:56 — WHYBLT? Oscar short-listers and Hanna's back
11:28 — WHYBLT? Tinker Tailor, The Artist, The Greatest Miracle
13:01 — WHYBLT? Haywire, Back to Gaya, Man to Man
15:28 — Sidetrack:  "What is an iconic score?"
28:09 — Awards Reactions
31:12 — Detour into Drive and Contagion
40:38 — Revisiting last year's predictions
41:41 — The Nominees Are...
44:01 — Reacting to the Entertainment Weekly article by Kyle Anderson (http://bit.ly/Aaat9r)
56:05 — Oscar Predictions!
66:18 — Conclusion

Select Music

00:00 — "Night Call" (Drive) by Kavinsky
00:00 — "A Real Hero" (Drive) by Cliff Martinez
04:30 — "A Return to the Caspian, and to the Iran of Old" (House of Sand and Fog) by James Horner
05:35 — "Chase" (Crysis 2) by Hans Zimmer, Borislav Slavov and Tillman Sillescu.
07:07 — "Opening" (Legend of the Four Gods Vol. 1) by Joe Hisaishi
08:37 — "Hanna's theme" (Hanna) by Hanna
11:58 — "George Smiley" (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy) by Alberto Iglesias
13:05 — "Barcelona" (Haywire) by David Holmes
13:50 — "Main Title" (Back to Gaya) by Michael Kamen
15:33 — "The Game Has Changed" (Tron: Legacy) by Daft Punk
24:35 — "Dream is Collapsing" (Inception) by Hans Zimmer
26:21 — "Sorrow" (Gladiator) by Hans Zimmer
31:15 — "Tick of the Clock" (Drive) by Cliff Martinez
34:04 — "The Birds Are Doing That" (Contagion) by Cliff Martinez
42:09 — "The Adventures of Tintin" (The Adventures of Tin Tin) by John Williams
42:27 — "The Thief" (Hugo) by Howard Shore
42:45 — "George Valentin" (The Artist) by Ludovic Bource
43:07 — "George Smiley" (Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy) by Alberto Iglesias
43:31 — "The Reunion" (War Horse) by John Williams
46:27 — "Salander At Soder Hospital" (Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) by Reznor/Ross
66:34 — "Peppy and George" (The Artist) by Ludovic Bource

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SoundCast Episode 22: 83rd Oscars - Post Mortem

Episode #22 - 83rd Oscars - Post Mortem

Recorded February 28, 2011
Published March 1, 2011

The crew jumps online talk about the 83rd Academy Awards show.  What they liked, didn't like, their reaction to the winner of Best Original Score, and some ideas on how the show could be improved.

Episode Highlights

0:00 — Opening of the 22nd Academy Awards
0:23 — Intros
01:35 — News: Mars Needs Moms, Rango, Captain America
10:04 — More from Opening of the 22nd Academy Awards
11:23 —What we liked about the Oscars
16:10 — What we didn't like about the Oscars
23:44 — Winners Reactions
30:37 — Twittering the Oscars
36:40 — Best Score winner reactions
46:40 — How the Oscars could be improved
54:48 — Conclusion

Music Clips (Select music clips contained in this podcast)

00:00 — "Hooray For Hollywood" (Hooray For Hollywood) - Ray Davies
10:04 — "Hollywood Newsreel A" (Hooray For Hollywood) - Ray Davies
22:15 — "I Love You" (The Last Sin Eater) Mark McKenzie
35:57 — "Hand Covers Bruise"  (The Social Network) Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
40:20 — "Opening Titles Part 1" (The King's Speech) Alexander Desplat
43:53 —  "In the Hall of the Mountain King" (The Social Network) - Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
43:53 —  "In the Hall of the Mountain King" (The Social Network) - Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
54:42 — "Hooray For Hollywood" (Hooray For Hollywood) - Ray Davies

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Hans Zimmer at the 83rd Academy Awards

So Hans Zimmer was actually there on Sunday. Perhaps next year ABC will get some shots of other nominated composers.

See more quick videos of the Inception crew on the red carpet at Thompson on Hollywood.  Video by Anne Thompson (@akstanwyck)

Best Original Score Oscar Winner is... Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross for The Social Network

Last night, the 83rd Annual Oscar Award show aired on ABC, but only after more Red Carpet coverage than even the Super Bowl garners. As for the show itself, it was the typical night of laughs, cringes, nods of approval and head-shakes of disappointment.

If you are reading this post, then the most relevant award was the BEST SCORE category, which went to TRENT REZNOR AND ATTICUS ROSS for their a-typical score for THE SOCIAL NETWORK. The response to this win has been, as most years go,...divided; however, it was not a surprise. The BEST SONG award was somewhat of a surprise; going to RANDY NEWMAN for "We Belong Together" from TOY STORY 3. Newman's speech was certainly one of the best of the night.

The big winners turned out to be INCEPTION (4) (for almost all of the tech awards) and THE KING'S SPEECH (4) (for many of the big, non-tech awards.)  But here are all 25 winners to get you caught up quickly:

1. Best Picture: "The King's Speech."
2. Actor: Colin Firth, "The King's Speech."
3. Actress: Natalie Portman, "Black Swan."
4. Supporting Actor: Christian Bale, "The Fighter."
5. Supporting Actress: Melissa Leo, "The Fighter."
6. Directing: Tom Hooper, "The King's Speech."
7. Foreign Language Film: "In a Better World," Denmark.
8. Adapted Screenplay: Aaron Sorkin, "The Social Network."
9. Original Screenplay: David Seidler, "The King's Speech."
10. Animated Feature Film: "Toy Story 3."
11. Art Direction: "Alice in Wonderland."
12. Cinematography: "Inception."
13. Sound Mixing: "Inception."
14. Sound Editing: "Inception."
15. Original Score: "The Social Network," Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.
16. Original Song: "We Belong Together" from "Toy Story 3," Randy Newman.
17. Costume Design: "Alice in Wonderland."
18. Documentary Feature: "Inside Job."
19. Documentary (short subject): "Strangers No More."
20. Film Editing: "The Social Network."
21. Makeup: "The Wolfman."
22. Animated Short Film: "The Lost Thing."
23. Live Action Short Film: "God of Love."
24. Visual Effects: "Inception."

Like every year, we say "Congrats to all of the winners.  But, Academy, let's do better next year."

So what did you think of THE SOCIAL NETWORK winning Best Score?

SoundCast Episode 20: John Barry and Oscar Predictions

Ep. #20 - John Barry and Oscar Predictions


Recorded February 3, 2011
Published February 4, 2011

Marius, Helen and Chris pay homage to composer John Barry and make their predictions for the  Oscar for Best Original Score.

Episode Highlights

00:45 - Introduction
02:45 - Reaction to Episode #19
04:45 - What is The SoundCast Vault?
12:30 - Remembering John Barry
25:42 - Golden Globe Reactions
32:40 - Reviewing our Oscar Predictions for 2010
35:19 - Disqualified Scores
44:00 - Oscar 2011 Predictions

Music Clips (Select music clips contained in this podcast)

00:00 - "The Buffalo Hunt" (Dances with Wolves) by John Barry
11:45 - "Somewhere in Time" (Somewhere in Time) by John Barry
15:28 - "Main Title (I Had A Farm In Africa)" (Out of Africa) by John Barry
19:00 - "Farewell And End Title" (Dances with Wolves) by John Barry
25:19 - "Into Miami-Alpine Drive" (Goldfinger) by John Barry
26:50 - "Hand Covers Bruise" (The Social Network) by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
28:29 - "On We March" (The Social Network) by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
30:47 - "In the Hall of the Mountain King" (The Social Network) by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
34:30 - "Married Life" (Up) by Michael Giacchino
36:19 - "Your Headstrong Ways" (True Grit) by Carter Burwell
36:45 - "The New Season" (Black Swan) by Clint Mansell
44:15 - "In Motion" (The Social Network) by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
44:27 - "Liberation" (127 Hours) by A.R. Rahman
44:35 - "Opening Title Pt1" (The Kings Speech) by Alexandre Desplat
44:47 - "Dream is Collapsing" (Inception) by Hans Zimmer
45:11 - "Test Drive" (How to Train Your Dragon) by John Powell
57:55 - "If I Rise" (127 Hours) by A.R. Rahman

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Soundcast Episode 14 - Oscar 2010 Post-Mortem

Episode 14 - Oscar 2010 Post-Mortem

Recorded March 8, 2010
Published March 9, 2010

Marius Masalar, Tom Hoover, and Helen San return to discuss Oscar winners, losers, things good and things bad.

Episode Highlights

00:25 - Introduction and Welcome
02:15 - What did you think of this year's Oscars?
05:48 - Reaction to Best Picture and Best Director
09:50 - Was Avatar snubbed?
14:25 - LXD's performance with the original score montage
21:45 - Owning up to our Oscar Picks
24:00 - Best Original Score winner reaction


Music Clips (Select music clips contained in this podcast)

00:00 - There's No Business Like Showbusiness (Musikalische Spezialtitaten - Hello Dolly) Aniko Benko
36:45 - There's No Business Like Showbusiness (Pops Stoppers) The Boston Pops Orchestra

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Soundcast Episode 12 - Oscore Noms!

Episode 12 - "Oscore Noms"
Recorded February 6, 2010
Published February 9, 2010

Jorn Tillnes (Soundtrackgeek.com), Tom Hoover (Scorenotes.com), Marius Masalar and Christopher Coleman discuss the 2009 Oscar nominees for Best Score.

Episode Highlights

00:27 - Introduction and Welcome
02:45 - The 2009 nominees for Best Score
04:21 - How do this years nominees compare with the recent past?
07:30 - The 2006, 2007, 2008 Nominees
13:40 - Sherlock Holmes discussion
18:00 - Avatar discussion
22:35 - Up discussion
25:55 - Which scores should have been nominated?
32:40 - Who SHOULD win?  Who WILL win?


Music Clips (Select music clips contained in this podcast)

03:05 - Jake Enters His Avatar World (Avatar) by James Horner
03:21 - Stunt Expo 2004 (Fantastic Mr. Fox) by Alexandre Desplat
03:34 - The Hurt Locker (The Hurt Locker) by Marco Beltrami and Buck Sanders
03:49 - Discombobulate (Sherlock Holmes) by Hans Zimmer
04:05 - Married Life (Up) by Michael Giacchino
10:06 - Amelia Desert Morning (Babel) by Gustavo Santaolalla
11:01 - Long Long Time Ago (Pan's Labyrinth) by Javier Navarrete
12:21 - The Queen (The Queen) by Alexandre Desplat
13:49 - My Mind Rebels at Stagnation (Sherlock Holmes) by Hans Zimmer
17:59 - Becoming One of the People, Becoming One with Neytir (Avatar) James Horner
23:01 - Up with End Credits (Up) by Michael Giacchino
24:32 - Nailin' The Kelvin (Star Trek) by Michael Giacchino
26:17 - The Road (The Road) by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis
28:03 - Four Through the Mirror (Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus) by Mychael & Jeff Danna
29:10 - Stillness of the Mind (A Single Man) by Abel Korzeniowski
30:06 - Shinkai Bokujyo (Ponyo on the Cliff) by Joe Hisaishi
30:34 - The Library Falls (Agora) by Dario Marianelli

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2008 Oscar Wrap Up - Musical Failings

As if you haven't listened to or read enough opinion on this year's Oscars...or yammered on and on about it yourself...here's even more. Let me tell why the Oscar's failed...musically speaking.

First off - congrats are, again, in order for A.R. RAHMAN for winning BEST ORIGINAL SCORE for SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE...and also for BEST SONG, "JAI HO" also from the film. "The Dog" was anything but that tonight taking a home a handful of the "Golden Boys" in addition to the two musical categories.

Rahman winning didn't come as much of a surprise. All the signs were there for SLUMDOG to do well were there and that included Rahman's score. While I'd like to have seen Alexandre Desplat win for THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON, I knew it was a loooooooong shot against the tidal wave that is Slumdog Millionaire. Now, "Jai Ho" was an easy pick and was far and away the most memorable song of the year...despite all the love "The Boss" was getting for "The Wrestler" earlier in the award season.

Taking a look at the show as a whole...and it's revised format...it had some great moments, but wasn't what I had expected. First, the good. By far having the 5 former winners of the acting categories come out, pay tribute to the nominees, and then have them all on stage with the winner was a stroke of genius. It really makes those particular awards special. It was clearly written on the faces of the nominees. By the way, seating them so close to the stage was also smart (and intimate). Next, Hugh Jackman was the right man for that particular job. The opening number was entertaining enough and got me to thinking this just might work. Finally, it was good to see MICHAEL GIACCHINO on stage and did a decent job for the night.

Ok...now for the bad. After the opening number, things went down hill (aside from the best actor/actress categories). What started as a decent-enough award/winning theme, became a serious pain 3.5 hours later...no matter how many variations they played. Talk about listener fatigue. As a video game composer, GIACCHINO had to know that this theme was going to get old fast....and boy did it ever. That's just too many awards to play the same theme over.

What upset me was the fact that by replacing the original themes from the associated movies, one of the most important moments for film music exposure was totally lost. Instead of walking up (albeit a very short walk...or jog/run) to the podium with the related music of the project, we got this winner-theme again and again. I was ecstatic when costume designer, Michael O'Connor, made direct reference to RACHEL PORTMAN's score for THE DUCHESS and how that was NOT the music he had just walked up to the mic with. The general public, who hardly ever pays attention to film scores, was robbed of one of the few chances that film music would be publically highlighted.

The best score medley was average - hitting all the right beats, but the best song medley became a disaster. Now, I love John Legend, but he was not the right replacement for PETER GABRIEL. How about Phil Collins or Steve Winwood...or someone somewhat related? I understand why Gabriel pulled out and the producers of the show had to do something, but "Jai Ho" and "Down to the Ground" just don't mix very well.

I also somberly look forward to the "In Memoriam" segment...usually underscored with an approriately beautiful piece from Mark McKenzie or other talented composer. This time, we got a vocal performance by Queen Latifa. It was the least emotional of all the In Memoriams that I can recall. And why no Heath Ledger?

Now, I am all for change and experimentation and I think there were a few things to like about this year's Oscars; however, I definitely prefer the set up and style of the past. Somehow this felt more like THE TONY's than THE OSCARS. In their quest to shorten the show, things felt rushed... and much of the emotional impact felt in previous shows was absent. Of course, skimping or radically changing the use of original score will do that.

So here's to next year. May they return to some of the traditions of the past...at least when it comes to the music.

Peter Gabriel Pulls Out of Oscar Performance

A part of the Academy's fiddling with the Oscar Award show this year has meant trimming down performances of the Best Song nominees. They did promise some surprises afterall.

Instead of full performances of all 3 songs, there was to be a medley comprised of each. Gabriel said he was only offered 65 seconds for an arrangement of his song "Down to Earth" from Wall*E. Nikki Finke's Deadline Hollywood has the full story including Gabriel's letter to AMPAS.

I have had no problem with the running time of the Oscars. Why people cry about it being 4 hours or more is beyond me. I'm pretty sure everyone can work a remote control. Well, the show's producers have sought to shorten the show down to 3 hours....and apparently the music category is going to suffer for it.

I definitely support Peter Gabriel's move. Don't let them dis your music that way. If it was good enough to be nominated, it's good enough to be heard...in its totality. The last thing the soundtrack genre needs now is to be marginalized even further by the mainstream.

I can't wait for next year when they relegate the BEST ORIGINAL SCORE Award to the untelevised Scientific and Technical Award Presentation.

I guess we'll have to settle for a two song medley from SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE. Perhaps they'll allow for more songs to be nominated next year...and hope that more than 1 artist will be willing to hack up their music for the show.

Hope you all are happy with your shorter Award show this year.

Oscar Award Ceremony Changes for Composers?

So there are going to be some changes at the Oscar Ceremonies this year. Oh...they aren't saying what exactly...only that there will be some different things going on regarding certain categories. Via Cinematical we have this quote of Sid Ganis,

"Cinematographers, editors, composers. All of you guys. You're in for a big surprise."

I'll be happily surprised if they just give the award to the person I feel is the most deserving. In this year's case, that would mean that ALEXANDRE DESPLAT would walk away with the golden hardware. I take that back...if THOMAS NEWMAN won for WALL*E, that, indeed, would be a big surprise...and one that I think I'd be pretty happy about...even though I wouldn't call Wall*E the most deserving.

What do you think the Academy has up their sleeves? Do you even care?

2009 Oscar Nominations for Best Original Score

"And here....we...go..."

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - Alexandre Desplat
Defiance - James Newton Howard
Milk - Danny Elfman
Slumdog Millionaire - A.R. Rahman
WALL-E - Thomas Newman

Ah wait...there must be some mistake. All that hoopla over THE DARK KNIGHT score and no nomination? Ah the Academy. Gotta love em.

So what do you think of the nominees? Fairly predictable, save TDK and Wall-E. I'm happy for Thomas Newman again, but alas, I don't think he will be bringing home the statue again. Slumdog has so much momentum right now.


You can get the rest of the nominees at Oscar.com.

Return of The Dark Knight - Score Back in Oscar Contention

Well, well. The Academy has reconsidered their decision regarding the disqualification of THE DARK KNIGHT original score by HANS ZIMMER and JAMES NEWTON HOWARD. One composer on the committee stated to me that their decision was originally correct by the established rules. I'm just pleased to see that the Academy was willing to look at this situation and adjust accordingly. Hopefully, they will modify the rules so collaborative efforts beyond 2 composers will be acceptable.

You can read the brief story at Variety.com.

SoundCast: Ep. 2 - The Dark Knight Denied

We're back...and we're not alone. Episode 2 of The SoundCast we discuss the Academy's recent ruling which disqualified THE DARK KNIGHT original score by HANS ZIMMER and JAMES NEWTON HOWARD. We were fortunate to be able to get reaction from a number of prominent film music composers on this issue. You might be surprised to know that the responses were equally divided "for" and "against" this ruling. You won't want to miss this episode!

Listen to it here


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What do you think? Should this rule be changed? Should THE DARK KNIGHT be eligible for an Oscar? Vote on it here!

The Dark Knight Score is Denied by the Academy

Well, those who were looking for Christopher Nolan's THE DARK KNIGHT to make a serious run through this year's Oscars, you will have one less category to worry about. Which category? The one the matter most 'round these parts - Best Original Score.

It appears that higher ups at the Academy went all Suze Orman on Mr. Zimmer and Mr. Newton Howard. DENIED! The Academy didn't seem to buy what the composers' explanation was over the additional music credits on the score - feeling that too high a percentage of the score was written by persons other than those two themselves. They felt the same way about BATMAN BEGINS and likewise gave it the heave-ho.

So those of you in Camp Zimmer-Hater, are you feeling some sort of strange satisfaction over this?

Seems a shame to me. While it may not be the year's best, it's certainly is worth Oscar consideration. "Rules is rules." I guess. Nothing like Oscar controversy starting up in November!

You can read the full article here

Atonement by Dario Marianelli wins Oscar

It is the rarest of occurences. The Academy got it right. No left-field surprise of THE KITE RUNNER or MICHAEL CLAYTON winning this year's Oscar for Best Original Score. This year the best of the nominees actually won. Congratulations to composer DARIO MARINELLI for his exceptional work for ATONEMENT. It's only too bad the film didn't garner Best Cinematography, Adapted Screenplay, or Best Director. Can't win 'em all, I guess.

As much as The Academy takes it's hits year after year from all sorts of critics, kudos to them for bringing back out the newly crowned Oscar-winner, Marketa Irglova (Best Song) for "Falling Slowly" from ONCE. She actually had something worthwhile to say and they brought her back after unceremoniously cutting her short. I'm sure Bill Conti meant no harm.

So do you think ATONEMENT was the best choice?

Oscar Nominees for Best Original Score

Ok. I'll admit it. I desperately look forward to the yearly nominee announcements from the Globies and the Oscars. Some of you might be asking, "Why? They are so dreadfully wrong year after year."

That's precisely it, my friends...especially when it comes to the BEST ORIGINAL SCORE category. It's like watching NASCAR for the wrecks (I mean why else would anyone watch?). It's like rubber-necking at a traffic accident. We know its going to be bad, but we cannot refrain from looking.

Listen...do you hear the approach of screeching tires........

Nominees for Best Original Score:

Atonement - Dario Marianelli
The Kite Runner - Alberto Iglesias
Michael Clayton - James Newton Howard
Ratatouille - Michael Giacchino
3:10 to Yuma - Marco Beltrami

Let me say this about "this year's wreck." First, "Hah! I told you all who argued with me about THE KITE RUNNER getting a nomination...deserving or not. Don't be at all shocked if it wins." Second, "Michael Clayton? Seriously?" SCRREEEEEEEEECH! Third, mad props to Michael Giacchino and Marco Beltrami on getting nominated. Not Giacchino's best, but perhaps one of Beltrami's. Nice to see some new names in the mix.

OK...my own twisted satisfaction will see THE KITE RUNNER win at the expense of the most deserving from this list of nominees, ATONEMENT. Hopefully there will be a show to actually watch this tragedy. Who wants to just hear the screeching of tires?

Oscar Thoughts

Well...that was long....

It wasn't the strongest year for the Academy and the show, while conjurring up a few laughs from the host, was a little on the bland side.

First off, let me get the WTHs out fo the way:

Congrats to Gustavo Santaolalla, but WTH? That was the nominee that I would have picked last to win. Thomas Newman's little clip before the award show turned out to be right on. In a year with some pretty weak co-nominees, Thomas had a good shot.

WTH? A little too much Al Gore on Oscar night for me. But all fine fine...we're all green. I get it.

Now for the good stuff...

As much of a dud as I thought this particular show was, the tribute to composer Ennio Morricone was fantastic! It was likely the best tribute of the night and he sure did get from his balcony to the stage in a hurry. The foreign film tribute was also also enjoyable.

Congrats to Martin Scorcese. Even more than the Oscar win...it was great to see George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Francis Coppola and Scorcese on the stage together.

The best acceptance speech of the night has to go to Forest Whitaker. He was so grateful...yet looked like he was just about ready to fight someone as he walked off-stage!

And with that, the award season is pretty much over. Now, we can all sit back and anticipate what wonders will be displayed at the very special 80th Academy Awards in 2008....provided that there are some decent flicks this year...and that the Academy has enough clarity to nominate them.