First Oscar Predictions:Best Original Score

The Original score category is probably one of the hardest categories to predict as the Academy never goes for the same types of scores. Sometimes they pick the melodic, the atmospheric or the electronic. But it really all depends on what film is getting attention and what score is unique.

These are in no particular order
1. John Williams-War Horse-John Williams is one of the prolific cinema composers of all time. This year with two scores he's bound to get nominated for at least one. Williams who has won 5 oscars is known for lush and melodic scores.




2. John Williams-The Adventures of Tintin-In 2005 Williams was nominated for two Oscars for two very different scores. This year he takes on a drama and an adventure movie which require very different temperaments. When working with Speilberg, Williams never really goes wrong plus he hasn't been nominated in 6 years.



3. Howard Shore-A Dangerous Method-This is probably a long shot but Shore's score was acclaimed and Variety said it was unforgettable. In addition Shore and Cronenberg have collaborated for years and have never been recognized. With lots of attention, Shore may finally get his next nomination.



4. Dario Marianelli-Jane Eyre-Marianelli has been nominated for two Oscars and won for Atonement. This score while lush and passionate is subtle. The academy likes subtlety and scores with solo instruments. Marianelli offers a violin solo that creates the atmosphere of the film. The only problem is will the Academy remember the film after so many months.


5. Alberto Iglesias-Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy-Igelsias has already been nominated for two Oscars, both for work that is textured and atmospheric. This year he takes on the task of scoring a thriller and from Venice reviews they say the score is thrilling and exciting.





Other considerations
Like every other category this year the score category is probably one of the most crowded this year.
Here are other strong contenders

Alexandre Desplat-The Ides of March-The Academy has nominated his work for the past two years. Each film he approaches in a different way and this looks like the Michael Clayton type score.





W.E.-Abel Korzeniowski-After a momentous score for A Single Man its hard to ignore Korzeniowski's music. His music is full of passion and even though this film may have bad reviews, the music can still be recognized.



Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross-The Gril with the Dragon Tattoo- Its hard to ignore last years Oscar winners. With The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo they'll come up with something unique and special.





As we get closer to nominations, we'll see what the Academy is looking for this year