Oscar Score Showdown: Göransson, Greenwood, and Richter Battle for Top Honors

Ludwig Göransson, Jonny Greenwood, and Max Richter are among the top contenders for the Best Original Score Oscar, according to the latest predictions from Variety's Awards Circuit section. The three composers have made significant contributions to some of the year's most critically acclaimed films, including Göransson's work on "Sinners," a collaboration with director Ryan Coogler. Variety's chief awards editor, Clayton Davis, notes that the field of contenders is unusually diverse, spanning experimental soundscapes, franchise blockbusters, and intimate character studies. "This year's original score race is one of the most exciting and unpredictable in recent memory," Davis said. "We've seen a wide range of styles and genres represented, and it's going to be a tough competition to predict." Göransson, a two-time Oscar winner for his work on "Black Panther" and "Oppenheimer," is currently leading the conversation with his score for "Sinners." The film, which premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, has received widespread critical acclaim for its nuanced and emotionally charged soundtrack. Göransson's collaboration with Coogler has been hailed as one of the standout aspects of the film, and many industry insiders believe it could be a future Oscar winner. Jonny Greenwood, the longtime collaborator of director Paul Thomas Anderson, is also in the running for his work on "The Whale." The film, which premiered at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival, has been praised for its poignant and emotionally charged portrayal of a reclusive English teacher struggling with obesity. Greenwood's score, which features a haunting and introspective soundscape, has been widely praised by critics and industry insiders alike. Max Richter, a German-born composer known for his experimental and avant-garde style, is also a contender for his work on "The Holdovers." The film, which premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, has been praised for its nuanced and emotionally charged portrayal of a reclusive professor struggling to connect with his students. Richter's score, which features a blend of classical and electronic elements, has been hailed as one of the standout aspects of the film. The Best Original Score category is one of the most competitive and unpredictable at the Oscars, with a wide range of contenders vying for the top prize. According to Variety's predictions, Göransson, Greenwood, and Richter are currently in a tight three-way race, with several other composers also in the running. The competition is expected to heat up in the coming weeks, with many industry insiders predicting a close and contentious vote at the Oscars. As the awards season heats up, fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely to see which composer will take home the top prize. With a diverse and talented field of contenders, the Best Original Score category is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable of the year.