Trent Reznor And Atticus Ross, Kneecap And More Make Oscar Shortlists

The 2025 Oscars are getting closer and closer, and the first round of shortlists have been announced. This year, the music categories are particularly exciting, with some unexpected names making the cut.

Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross: A Dynamic Duo

Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross are no strangers to the Oscars. The duo has previously won three Academy Awards for their work on the films The Social Network, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, and Soul. This year, they are once again in the running for Best Original Score for their work on the film Challengers.

Reznor and Ross have been collaborating for over two decades, and their work together has consistently pushed the boundaries of film music. Their scores are often dark, atmospheric, and experimental, and they have a knack for creating music that perfectly complements the tone of a film.

Kneecap: Irish Hip-Hop Takes the Stage

One of the most surprising names on the Oscars shortlist this year is Kneecap, an Irish hip-hop group. Their song “Sick in the Head” is nominated for Best Original Song for the film Kneecap, which is a documentary about the band.

Kneecap’s nomination is a major milestone for Irish hip-hop, and it is a testament to the growing popularity of the genre. The band’s music is often political and socially conscious, and their lyrics reflect the experiences of young people in Ireland.

Other Notable Mentions

In addition to Reznor and Ross and Kneecap, there are several other notable names on the Oscars shortlists this year. These include:

Daniel Blumberg: The former frontman of the band Yuck is nominated for Best Original Score for his work on the film The Brutalist.

Bryce Dessner: The guitarist for the band The National is nominated for Best Original Score for his work on the film Sing Sing.

Hanz Zimmer: The legendary composer is nominated for Best Original Score for his work on the film Blitz.

What Does This Mean for the Future of Film Music?

The Oscars shortlists for 2025 are a reminder that film music is more diverse and exciting than ever before. We are seeing a wider range of genres and styles being represented, and this is only going to continue in the years to come.

It is also worth noting that the Oscars are not the only awards show that recognizes excellence in film music. The Golden Globes, the BAFTAs, and the Grammys all have categories for film music, and these awards can also be a significant boost to a composer’s career.

Conclusion

The Oscars shortlists for 2025 are a testament to the incredible talent of film composers around the world. Whether you are a fan of traditional orchestral scores or more experimental electronic music, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

As we look ahead to the Oscars ceremony in March, it will be interesting to see who will ultimately take home the gold. But regardless of who wins, it is clear that film music is in good hands.