The Academy Awards are a huge deal for anyone in the movie biz, and that includes the composers who create those unforgettable soundtracks. The Best Original Score category is where the magic happens, recognizing the absolute best in film music. For the 2023 Oscars, there was some seriously amazing competition. So, what were the scores that had everyone talking, and who took home the golden statue?

Diving into the Nominees

Okay, so let's break down the nominees for Best Original Score at the 2023 Oscars. Each of these scores brought something unique to their films, and they're all worth a listen, like seriously! From sweeping orchestral pieces to more experimental sounds, this list showcases the incredible range of talent in the film music world.

Babylon – Justin Hurwitz

Justin Hurwitz's score for Babylon is an absolute whirlwind of jazz-infused energy. Guys, this soundtrack is intense! Hurwitz, who previously won Oscars for his work on La La Land, really went all out to capture the roaring '20s vibe of the film. The music is brash, bold, and totally over-the-top, perfectly mirroring the chaotic energy of the movie itself. What makes this score so special is its ability to blend traditional jazz elements with more modern, experimental sounds. You've got these huge, brassy fanfares alongside more intimate, character-driven melodies. It’s a wild ride from start to finish. Hurwitz's attention to detail is also incredible; he really did his homework to make sure the music felt authentic to the period. And let’s be real, the score is just plain fun. It makes you want to get up and dance, even if you're just sitting in your living room. Babylon's score isn't just background music; it's a central part of the film's storytelling, and it elevates the entire experience. Whether you loved the movie or not, you can't deny the impact of Hurwitz's music.

The Fabelmans – John Williams

What can you even say about John Williams? The man is a legend! His score for The Fabelmans is classic Williams through and through – lush, emotional, and utterly unforgettable. This is his 53rd Oscar nomination, which is just mind-blowing. The score perfectly captures the semi-autobiographical nature of the film, adding layers of depth and emotion to Steven Spielberg's personal story. The melodies are warm and nostalgic, evoking a sense of childhood wonder and the magic of filmmaking. Williams has this incredible ability to create music that is both epic and intimate, and The Fabelmans is a perfect example of that. There are these sweeping orchestral moments that just fill you with emotion, and then there are these quieter, more delicate pieces that really get to the heart of the characters. The score is also deeply intertwined with the film's themes of family, dreams, and the power of cinema. It's not just a soundtrack; it's an integral part of the film's narrative. The Fabelmans is a testament to Williams' enduring talent and his ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level. It's a score that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Everything Everywhere All at Once – Son Lux

Son Lux's score for Everything Everywhere All at Once is, to put it mildly, bonkers. In the best way possible! It's experimental, genre-bending, and totally unpredictable, just like the movie itself. This score is a wild mix of electronic music, orchestral sounds, and even some more unconventional instruments. It perfectly captures the film's chaotic, multiverse-spanning narrative. What makes this score so unique is its willingness to take risks. Son Lux isn't afraid to throw everything at the wall and see what sticks, and the result is a soundtrack that is both exhilarating and emotionally resonant. There are moments of pure chaos and noise, reflecting the film's more frenetic scenes, and then there are these quieter, more introspective pieces that really explore the characters' emotions. The score is also deeply connected to the film's themes of family, identity, and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless universe. Everything Everywhere All at Once is a score that challenges you, surprises you, and ultimately rewards you with its originality and emotional depth. It’s a truly groundbreaking piece of film music.

All Quiet on the Western Front – Volker Bertelmann

Volker Bertelmann, also known as Hauschka, created a score for All Quiet on the Western Front that is as bleak and haunting as the film itself. Forget about traditional war movie scores; this is something totally different. Bertelmann uses a combination of dissonant strings, distorted electronics, and unsettling sound design to create a soundscape that is both terrifying and deeply moving. The music perfectly captures the horrors of war and the psychological toll it takes on the young soldiers. What makes this score so effective is its restraint. Bertelmann doesn't rely on big, bombastic orchestral cues; instead, he uses subtle, unsettling sounds to create a sense of dread and unease. The score is also deeply connected to the film's themes of loss, trauma, and the futility of war. All Quiet on the Western Front is a score that will stay with you long after you've seen the film, a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict.

The Banshees of Inisherin – Carter Burwell

Carter Burwell's score for The Banshees of Inisherin is as melancholic and beautiful as the Irish landscape it accompanies. The score is deceptively simple, relying on traditional Irish folk melodies and instrumentation to create a sense of timelessness and isolation. The music perfectly captures the film's themes of friendship, loneliness, and the complexities of human relationships. What makes this score so effective is its subtlety. Burwell doesn't try to overdo it with grand orchestral gestures; instead, he lets the music speak for itself, creating a quiet, intimate atmosphere that draws you into the characters' world. The score is also deeply connected to the film's setting, evoking the rugged beauty and the sense of isolation that permeates the story. The Banshees of Inisherin is a score that is both haunting and deeply moving, a testament to the power of simplicity and emotional honesty in film music.

And the Winner Is...

Drumroll, please! The Oscar for Best Original Score went to... Volker Bertelmann for All Quiet on the Western Front! This was a well-deserved win for a score that was both innovative and deeply affecting. Bertelmann's use of unconventional sounds and his ability to create a sense of dread and unease truly set this score apart. It’s a powerful and unforgettable piece of music that perfectly complements the film's unflinching portrayal of war.

Final Thoughts

The Best Original Score category at the 2023 Oscars was filled with incredible talent and diverse musical styles. While Volker Bertelmann took home the prize, all of the nominees deserve recognition for their contributions to the art of film music. These scores not only enhance the films they accompany but also stand alone as works of art in their own right. So, if you're a fan of film music, be sure to check out these amazing soundtracks. You won't be disappointed!