Forgotten Gems: Incredible composers and soundtracks that were not awarded

The subjectivity of awards in the music industry

Film and music, as well as the Academy Awards, sometimes award films that not everyone expected, speaking from a technical or quality point of view. This, despite being frustrating, happens for a very clear reason: social and artistic trends and the popularity of the people involved in the projects.

If you want to know some of the works or composers who have remained in the shadows but are at the level of the most famous geniuses, stay with us reading this post.

Factors that influence the awarding of soundtracks

It's not always the best soundtrack that ends up winning the award, but rather the one that meets certain criteria that the juries consider important that year. Things like the political situation, social movements, technology... All of that can make the balance turn in one direction or another. The trend in musical styles that are in fashion at the moment is also extremely important.

What makes a composer worthy of an Oscar?

The key characteristics of a nominated composer are the combination of emotion, innovation in composition techniques and integration with the film's story. All of this gives them an almost guaranteed pass to be nominated by the Academy. But as we have seen on a few occasions, sometimes the external factors we have already mentioned play an important role. Perhaps a new composer ends up winning more awards than a soundtrack genius, because he knew how to blend in with the trends of the awards. And none of that takes away from the mastery of either of them.

Unforgettable soundtracks that haven't won awards

Can you believe that some of the most beloved soundtracks by the public have never been awarded? For example blade runner by Vangelis, Interstellar by Hans Zimmer or The Good, the Bad and the Ugly by Ennio Morricone. These are soundtracks that will always be in our memories and in our hearts, but which did not win any statuettes at the time of their nomination. Incredible, right?

Composers underestimated by the industry

And of course, alongside these soundtracks, there are the names of spectacular composers who, perhaps due to certain criteria, did not take home an award. Many brilliant composers such as Thomas Newman, Alexandre Desplat or Jóhann Jóhannsson have been constantly ignored at award ceremonies, but have nevertheless defined the sound of modern cinema with their unique and innovative style. They are, without a doubt, the winners of our hearts.

The most awarded composers and soundtracks

On the other hand, there are composers who have been accumulating awards throughout their career, who are already well-known and who have a prestigious position in the industry. We are talking about masterminds like John Williams; with his legacy in Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Harry Potter. Williams has won no less than 50 awards and has been nominated more than 160 times. We cannot forget the great Alan Menken and Ennio Morricone, whose iconic soundtracks we remember as Pocahontas either cinema Paradiso.

At Film Symphony Orchestra we revisit with great respect and love all those soundtracks that have accompanied us, whether they have won Academy Awards or not. Because music is about more than just awards, it is about connecting with people.

We invite you to enjoy all these masterpieces in TARAB: The Tour, where the true magic of cinema comes to life through its soundtrack.