Well, I think saying all the great composers are dead is a stretch. Sure Jerry’s dead, so’s Elmer. John Barry’s still around, so is Maurice Jarre. However, they’re both retired, or rather semi-retired. Tom Newman usually puts out good work, but they left him in the dust this year, same with Danny Elfman, whom the Academy seems to loathe (for whatever reason) anyway. James Horner (hack that he’s become aside) has been quite busy lately, just nothing phenomenal. James Newton Howard continues to put out better and better music (but ‘Kong’ wasn’t exactly Oscar worthy). Howard Shore’s one shot at another nom exited with his replacement on ‘Kong’. Alan Silvestri’s disappeared for a while. Alberto Iglesias is actually a fantastic composer (but he’ll likely lose to Santolalla or Williams). Basil Poledouris has disappeared off the face of the Earth apparently, and Elliot Goldenthal is busy rehearsing ‘Grendel’. I’m a little miffed about Dario Marianelli’s nomination, especially in light of his completely ripping off Goldsmith’s ‘Hollow Man’ theme for ‘Brother’s Grimm’ – listen to it, trust me, if Jerry was alive, he’d probably sue! Gregson-Williams and Powell seem to be drifting away from that trademark Media Ventures sound, so I’d look for at least a nom for one or both in the near future. At any rate, any one of these people could or will likely return with a serious Oscar contender sometime soon I’m sure.

Anyway, it should be interesting to say the least. Either the 3 first-timers will cancel each other out by virtue of being unknown and it’ll go to ‘Memoirs’, or Johnny will cancel himself out and ‘Brokeback’ will ride the gravy train. Never underestimate the Academy members’ ability to surprise you in a category like this though.


shehan23, February 2, 2006; 2:08 PM

Yes, the Oscars have become something akin to a high school popularity contest in the last few years. But then, so have all the other major awards ceremonies. Voters, particularly in the Academy, seem to have forgotten a long time ago what it is that they're actually voting for! For whatever reason though, I still can't not watch!

As for the score Oscar, I'm pulling for 'Munich'. After seeing it, I think it epitomizes what the Best Score Oscar stand for (or used to stand for at any rate!).

shehan23, February 3, 2006; 11:36 AM