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The Academy Award for Best Original Score is presented to the best substantial body of music in the form of dramatic underscoring written specifically for the film by the submitting composer.[1]

Superlatives[]

These are only for nominations in the Scoring categories. Nominations in other categories, such as the Original Song category, are not included.

Category Name Superlative Notes
Most Awards Alfred Newman 9 awards Awards resulted from 41 nominations.
Most Nominations John Williams 45 nominations Nominations resulted in 5 awards.
Most Nominations without an Award Alex North 14 nominations

Only one composer has won two Scoring Oscars the same year: in 1973, Marvin Hamlisch won Original Dramatic Score for The Way We Were and Best Adaptation Score, for The Sting. Hamlisch also won Best Song that year for The Way We Were (song), making him the only composer to win three music Oscars in the same year.

Only one composer has won Oscars three years in a row: Roger Edens won for Easter Parade (1948), On the Town (1949) and Annie Get Your Gun (1950).

Eight composers have won Oscars two years in a row:

  1. Ray Heindorf won for Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942) and This is the Army (1943).
  2. Franz Waxman won for Sunset Boulevard (1950) and A Place in the Sun (1951).
  3. Alfred Newman won for With a Song in My Heart (1952) and Call Me Madam (1953). He won again for Love is a Many-Splendored Thing (1955) and The King and I (1956).
  4. Adolph Deutsch won for Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954) and Oklahoma! (1955).
  5. André Previn won for Gigi (1958) and 1959's Porgy and Bess (1959). He won again for Irma La Douce (1963) and My Fair Lady (1964).
  6. Leonard Rosenman won for Barry Lyndon (1975) and Bound for Glory (1976).
  7. Alan Menken won for Beauty and The Beast (1991) and Aladdin (1992).
  8. Gustavo Santaolalla won for Brokeback Mountain (2005) and Babel (2006).

Female nominees[]

Three women have won in the scoring categories. Two are composers: Rachel Portman, who won for Emma (1996), and Anne Dudley, who won for The Full Monty (1997); the third, is lyricist Marilyn Bergman, who won for Yentl (1983) in the Original Song Score category, sharing the award with co-lyricist Alan Bergman (her husband) and composer Michel Legrand.

The only female composers nominated for multiple Scoring Oscars are Rachel Portman, who was nominated for Emma (1996) (for which she won for Best Original Score), The Cider House Rules (1999) and Chocolat (2000); and Angela Morley, who was nominated twice in the Original Song Score category for The Little Prince (1974) and The Slipper and the Rose (1976).

Notable nominees[]

Dmitri Shostakovich and Duke Ellington were both nominated the same year but lost to arrangers of West Side Story.

Because much of the music in film is usually classical music, the scores of Midnight Express by Giorgio Moroder in 1979, Slumdog Millionaire by A. R. Rahman in 2009, The Social Network in 2011 by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross and Her by William Butler and Owen Pallett in 2014 are the only scores with electronic based music ever to be nominated, with the first three winning the award.

Noted nominated composers known for their music mostly outside of the film world include: Aaron Copland, Kurt Weill, Gian-Carlo Menotti, Philip Glass, John Corigliano, Peter Maxwell Davies, Randy Newman, Stephen Schwartz, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Artie Shaw, Trent Reznor, Quincy Jones and Herbie Hancock.

Rock musicians and pop stars are most often nominated in the songwriting category. A handful that were nominated in the Scoring categories includes: John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Prince, Pete Townshend, Rod McKuen, Isaac Hayes, Kris Kristofferson, Quincy Jones, Randy Newman, Anthony Newley, Paul Williams, Tom Waits, David Byrne, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Trent Reznor and Matthew Wilder.

Record producers George Martin (the Beatles) and Jerry Wexler (Atlantic Records) also received nominations in the Scoring categories.

At the age of 87, Ennio Morricone became the oldest winner in Oscar history for a competitive award.[2][3]

Multiple nominations[]

The following is a list of composers nominated more than once and winning at least one Academy Award (in this category). This list is sorted by number of awards, with the number of total nominations listed in parentheses. These do not include nominations (or awards) in the Best Original Song category.

  • 9: Alfred Newman (43)
  • 5: John Williams (45)
  • 4: Johnny Green (12)
  • 4: André Previn (11)
  • 4: John Barry (6)
  • 4: Alan Menken (5)
  • 3: Max Steiner (24)
  • 3: Ray Heindorf (17)
  • 3: Morris Stoloff (17)
  • 3: Miklós Rózsa (16)
  • 3: Dimitri Tiomkin (14)
  • 3: Maurice Jarre (8)
  • 3: Ken Darby (6)
  • 3: Roger Edens (6)
  • 3: Saul Chaplin (5)
  • 3: Adolph Deutsch (5)
  • 2: Franz Waxman (11)
  • 2: Henry Mancini (7)
  • 2: Lennie Hayton (6)

  • 1: Paul Smith (7)
  • 1: Dave Grusin (6)
  • 1: Ennio Morricone (6) Also received an Academy Honorary Award.
  • 1: Leslie Bricusse (5)
  • 1: Georges Delerue (5)
  • 1: Richard Hageman (5)
  • 1: Bernard Herrmann (5)
  • 1: Nelson Riddle (5)
  • 1: Oliver Wallace (5)
  • 1: Aaron Copland (4)
  • 1: Ernest Gold (4)
  • 1: Leo F. Forbstein (4)
  • 1: Richard M. Sherman (4)
  • 1: Robert B. Sherman (4)
  • 1: Louis Silvers (4)
  • 1: Frank Churchill (3)
  • 1: Elliot Goldenthal (3)
  • 1: Erich Wolfgang Korngold (3)

  • 1: Bronislau Kaper (3)
  • 1: Dario Marianelli (3)
  • 1: Rachel Portman (3)
  • 1: Stephen Schwartz (3)
  • 1: Harry Sukman (3)
  • 1: Gabriel Yared (3)
  • 1: John Addison (2)
  • 1: Luis Enríquez Bacalov (2)
  • 1: Robert Russell Bennett (2)
  • 1: Jay Blackton (2)
  • 1: John Corigliano (2)
  • 1: Michael Giacchino (2)
  • 1: Michael Gore (2)
  • 1: W. Franke Harling (2)
  • 1: A. R. Rahman (2)
  • 1: Heinz Roemheld (2)
  • 1: Nino Rota (2)
  • 1: Leo Shuken (2)

The following composers have been nominated for a Best Original Score Oscar more than once but have yet to garner one. The number of nominations is listed in parentheses. These do not include nominations (or awards) in the Best Original Song category.

Deceased:

  • Alex North (14) Received an Academy Honorary Award.
  • Roy Webb (7)
  • Werner Janssen (6)
  • Edward Ward (5)
  • Frank Skinner (4)
  • Frank De Vol (4)
  • Louis Gruenberg (3)
  • Marvin Hatley (3)
  • Ernst Toch (3)
  • Jack Nitzsche (2) Has won 1 Oscar Award for Original Song.
  • Richard Robbins (2)
  • Victor Schertzinger (2)
  • Meredith Willson (2)

Living:

Winners and nominees[]

The following is the list of nominated composers organized by year, and listing both films and composers. The years shown in the following list of winners are the production years, thus a reference to 1967 means the Oscars presented in 1968 for films released in 1967.

Note: From 1934–1937, the head of the music department (rather than the actual composer or composers, in most cases) received the nominations or award.

Note: From 1937–1945, any studio was guaranteed a nomination just by submitting a qualified entry.

1930s[]

Year Winner
Composer
Nominees
1934 One Night of Love  – Columbia Studio Music Department, Louis Silvers, head of department (Thematic Music by Victor Schertzinger and Gus Kahn)
  • The Gay Divorcee RKO Radio Studio Music Department, Max Steiner, head of department (Score by Kenneth Webb and Samuel Hoffenstein)
  • The Lost Patrol – RKO Radio Studio Music Department, Max Steiner, head of department (Score by Max Steiner)
1935 The Informer  – RKO Radio Studio Music Department, Max Steiner, head of department (Score by Max Steiner)
  • (Write-in candidate) Captain Blood – Warner Bros.-First National Studio Music Department, Leo F. Forbstein, head of department (Score by Erich Wolfgang Korngold)
  • Mutiny on the Bounty – Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studio Music Department, Nat W. Finston, head of department (Score by Herbert Stothart)
  • Peter Ibbetson – Paramount Studio Music Department, Irvin Talbot, head of department (Score by Ernst Toch)
1936 Anthony Adverse  – Warner Bros. Studio Music Department, Leo F. Forbstein, head of department (Score by Erich Wolfgang Korngold)
  • The Charge of the Light Brigade – Warner Bros. Studio Music Department, Leo F. Forbstein, head of department (Score by Max Steiner)
  • The Garden of Allah – Selznick International Pictures Music Department, Max Steiner, head of department (Score by Max Steiner)
  • The General Died at Dawn – Paramount Studio Music Department, Boris Morros, head of department (Score by Werner Janssen)
  • Winterset – RKO Radio Studio Music Department, Nathaniel Shilkret, head of department (Score by Nathaniel Shilkret)
1937 One Hundred Men and a Girl – Universal Studio Music Department, Charles Previn, head of department (no composer credit)
  • The Hurricane – Samuel Goldwyn Studio Music Department, Alfred Newman, head of department (Score by Alfred Newman)
  • In Old Chicago – 20th Century-Fox Studio Music Department, Louis Silvers, head of department (no composer credit)
  • The Life of Emile Zola – Warner Bros. Studio Music Department, Leo F. Forbstein, head of department (Score by Max Steiner)
  • Lost Horizon – Columbia Studio Music Department, Morris Stoloff, head of department (Score by Dimitri Tiomkin)
  • Make a Wish – Principal Productions, Hugo Riesenfeld, musical director (Score by Hugo Riesenfeld)
  • Maytime – Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studio Music Department, Nat W. Finston, head of department (Score by Herbert Stothart)
  • Portia on Trial – Republic Studio Music Department, Alberto Colombo, head of department (Score by Alberto Colombo)
  • The Prisoner of Zenda – Selznick International Pictures Music Department, Alfred Newman, musical director (Score by Alfred Newman)
  • Quality Street – RKO Radio Studio Music Department, Roy Webb, musical director (Score by Roy Webb)
  • Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – Walt Disney Studio Music Department, Leigh Harline, head of department (Score by Frank Churchill, Leigh Harline and Paul Smith)
  • Something to Sing About – Grand National Studio Music Department, C. Bakaleinikoff, musical director (Score by Victor Schertzinger)
  • Souls at Sea – Paramount Studio Music Department, Boris Morros, head of department (Score by W. Franke Harling and Milan Roder)
  • Way Out West – Hal Roach Studio Music Department, Marvin Hatley, head of department (Score by Marvin Hatley)
1938 Original Score:
The Adventures of Robin Hood
Erich Wolfgang Korngold
  • Army GirlVictor Young
  • Block-HeadsMarvin Hatley
  • BlockadeWerner Janssen
  • Breaking the IceVictor Young
  • The Cowboy and the LadyAlfred Newman
  • If I Were KingRichard Hageman
  • Marie AntoinetteHerbert Stothart
  • Pacific LinerRussell Bennett (early alternate billing for Robert Russell Bennett)
  • SuezLouis Silvers
  • The Young in HeartFranz Waxman
Musical Score:
Alexander's Ragtime Band
Alfred Newman
  • CarefreeVictor Baravalle
  • Girls' SchoolMorris Stoloff and Gregory Stone
  • The Goldwyn FolliesAlfred Newman
  • JezebelMax Steiner
  • Mad About MusicCharles Previn and Frank Skinner
  • Storm Over BengalCy Feuer
  • SweetheartsHerbert Stothart
  • There Goes My HeartMarvin Hatley
  • Tropic HolidayBoris Morros
  • The Young in HeartFranz Waxman
1939 Original Score:
The Wizard of Oz
Herbert Stothart
  • Dark VictoryMax Steiner
  • Eternally YoursWerner Janssen
  • Golden BoyVictor Young
  • Gone with the WindMax Steiner
  • Gulliver's TravelsVictor Young
  • The Man in the Iron MaskLud Gluskin, Lucien Moraweck
  • Man of ConquestVictor Young
  • Nurse Edith CavellAnthony Collins
  • Of Mice and Men' – Aaron Copland
  • The Rains Came' – Alfred Newman
  • Wuthering Heights ' – Alfred Newman
Musical Score:
Stagecoach
Richard Hageman, W. Franke Harling, John Leipold, Leo Shuken
  • The Great Victor Herbert – Phil Boutelje and Arthur Lange
  • Of Mice and Men – Aaron Copland
  • Babes in Arms – Roger Edens and George E. Stoll
  • She Married a Cop – Cy Feuer
  • Intermezzo – Lou Forbes
  • The Hunchback of Notre Dame' – Alfred Newman
  • The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex – Erich Wolfgang Korngold
  • They Shall Have Music – Alfred Newman
  • First Love – Charles Previn
  • Swanee River – Louis Silvers
  • Mr. Smith Goes to Washington – Dimitri Tiomkin
  • Way Down South – Victor Young

1940s[]

Year Winner
Composer
Nominees
1940 Original Score:
Pinocchio
Leigh Harline and Paul J. Smith, composers; Ned Washington, lyricist
  • ArizonaVictor Young
  • The Dark CommandVictor Young
  • The Fight for LifeLouis Gruenberg
  • The Great DictatorMeredith Willson
  • The House of the Seven GablesFrank Skinner
  • The Howards of VirginiaRichard Hageman
  • The LetterMax Steiner
  • The Long Voyage HomeRichard Hageman
  • The Mark of ZorroAlfred Newman
  • My Favorite WifeRoy Webb
  • North West Mounted PoliceVictor Young
  • One Million B.C.Werner Heymann
  • Our TownAaron Copland
  • RebeccaFranz Waxman
  • The Thief of BagdadMiklós Rózsa
  • Waterloo BridgeHerbert Stothart
Musical Score:
Tin Pan Alley
Alfred Newman
  • Arise, My LoveVictor Young
  • Hit Parade of 1941Cy Feuer
  • IreneAnthony Collins
  • Our TownAaron Copland
  • The Sea HawkErich Wolfgang Korngold
  • Second ChorusArtie Shaw
  • Spring ParadeCharles Previn
  • Strike Up the BandRoger Edens, Georgie Stoll
1941 Original Score:
All That Money Can Buy
Bernard Herrmann
  • Back StreetFrank Skinner
  • Ball of FireAlfred Newman
  • Cheers for Miss BishopEdward Ward
  • Citizen KaneBernard Herrmann
  • Dr. Jekyll and Mr. HydeFranz Waxman
  • Hold Back the DawnVictor Young
  • How Green Was My ValleyAlfred Newman
  • King of the ZombiesEdward J. Kay
  • Ladies in RetirementMorris Stoloff, Ernst Toch
  • The Little FoxesMeredith Willson
  • LydiaMiklós Rózsa
  • Mercy IslandCy Feuer, Walter Scharf
  • Sergeant YorkMax Steiner
  • So Ends Our NightLouis Gruenberg
  • SundownMiklós Rózsa
  • SuspicionFranz Waxman
  • Tanks a MillionEdward Ward
  • That Uncertain FeelingWerner Heymann
  • This Woman Is MineRichard Hageman
Musical Score:
Dumbo
Frank Churchill, Oliver Wallace
  • All-American Co-EdEdward Ward
  • Birth of the BluesRobert Emmett Dolan
  • Buck PrivatesCharles Previn
  • The Chocolate SoldierHerbert Stothart, Bronislau Kaper
  • Ice-CapadesCy Feuer
  • The Strawberry BlondeHeinz Roemheld
  • Sun Valley SerenadeEmil Newman
  • SunnyAnthony Collins
  • You'll Never Get RichMorris Stoloff
1942 Original Score:
Now, Voyager
Max Steiner
  • Arabian NightsFrank Skinner
  • BambiFrank Churchill (posthumous nomination), Edward H. Plumb
  • The Black SwanAlfred Newman
  • The Corsican BrothersDimitri Tiomkin
  • Flying TigersVictor Young
  • The Gold RushMax Terr
  • I Married a WitchRoy Webb
  • Joan of ParisRoy Webb
  • Jungle BookMiklós Rózsa
  • Klondike FuryEdward J. Kay
  • The Pride of the YankeesLeigh Harline
  • Random HarvestHerbert Stothart
  • The Shanghai GestureRichard Hageman
  • Silver QueenVictor Young
  • Take a Letter, DarlingVictor Young
  • The Talk of the TownFriedrich Hollaender, Morris Stoloff
  • To Be or Not to BeWerner Heymann
Musical Score:
Yankee Doodle Dandy
Ray Heindorf, Heinz Roemheld
  • Flying with MusicEdward Ward
  • For Me and My GalRoger Edens, Georgie Stoll
  • Holiday InnRobert Emmett Dolan
  • It Started with EveHans Salter, Charles Previn
  • Johnny DoughboyWalter Scharf
  • My Gal SalAlfred Newman
  • You Were Never LovelierLeigh Harline
1943 Original Score:
The Song of Bernadette
Alfred Newman
  • The Amazing Mrs. HollidayFrank Skinner, Hans J. Salter
  • CasablancaMax Steiner
  • Commandos Strike at DawnMorris Stoloff, Louis Gruenberg
  • The Fallen SparrowRoy Webb, C. Bakaleinikoff
  • For Whom the Bell TollsVictor Young
  • Hangmen Also DieHanns Eisler
  • Hi Diddle DiddlePhil Boutelje
  • In Old OklahomaWalter Scharf
  • Johnny Come LatelyLeigh Harline
  • The KansanGerard Carbonara
  • Lady of BurlesqueArthur Lange
  • Madame CurieHerbert Stothart
  • The Moon and SixpenceDimitri Tiomkin
  • The North StarAaron Copland
  • Victory Through Air PowerEdward H. Plumb, Paul J. Smith, Oliver Wallace
Musical Score:
This Is the Army
Ray Heindorf
  • Coney IslandAlfred Newman
  • Hit Parade of 1943Walter Scharf
  • Phantom of the OperaEdward Ward
  • Saludos AmigosCharles Wolcott, Edward H. Plumb, Paul Smith
  • The Sky's the LimitLeigh Harline
  • Something to Shout AboutMorris Stoloff
  • Stage Door CanteenFrederic E. Rich
  • Star Spangled RhythmRobert Emmett Dolan
  • Thousands CheerHerbert Stothart
1944 Original Score:
Since You Went Away
Max Steiner
  • Address UnknownMorris Stoloff, Ernst Toch
  • The Adventures of Mark TwainMax Steiner
  • The Bridge of San Luis ReyDimitri Tiomkin
  • Casanova BrownArthur Lange
  • Christmas HolidayHans J. Salter
  • Double IndemnityMiklós Rózsa
  • The Fighting SeabeesWalter Scharf, Roy Webb
  • The Hairy ApeEdward Paul, Michel Michelet
  • It Happened TomorrowRobert Stolz
  • Jack LondonFrederic Efrem Rich
  • KismetHerbert Stothart
  • None but the Lonely HeartHanns Eisler, C. Bakaleinikoff
  • The Princess and the PirateDavid Rose
  • Summer StormKarl Hajos
  • Three Russian GirlsFranke Harling
  • Up in Mabel's RoomEdward Paul
  • Voice in the WindMichel Michelet
  • WilsonAlfred Newman
  • The Woman of the TownMiklós Rózsa
Musical Score:
Cover Girl
Morris Stoloff, Carmen Dragon
  • BrazilWalter Scharf
  • Higher and HigherC. Bakaleinikoff
  • Hollywood CanteenRay Heindorf
  • Irish Eyes Are SmilingAlfred Newman
  • Knickerbocker HolidayWerner R. Heymann, Kurt Weill
  • Lady in the DarkRobert Emmett Dolan
  • Lady, Let's DanceEdward J. Kay
  • Meet Me in St. LouisGeorgie Stoll
  • The Merry MonahansHans J. Salter
  • Minstrel ManFerde Grofe, Leo Erdody
  • Sensations of 1945Mahlon Merrick
  • Song of the Open RoadCharles Previn
  • Up in ArmsRay Heindorf, Louis Forbes
1945 Original Score:
Spellbound
Miklós Rózsa
  • The Bells of St. Mary'sRobert Emmett Dolan
  • Brewster's MillionsLou Forbes
  • Captain KiddWerner Janssen
  • The Enchanted CottageRoy Webb
  • Flame of Barbary CoastMorton Scott, R. Dale Butts
  • G. I. HoneymoonEdward J. Kay
  • The Story of G.I. JoeLouis Applebaum, Ann Ronell
  • Guest in the HouseWerner Janssen
  • Guest WifeDaniele Amfitheatrof
  • The Keys of the KingdomAlfred Newman
  • The Lost WeekendMiklós Rózsa
  • Love LettersVictor Young
  • The Man Who Walked AloneKarl Hajos
  • Objective, Burma!Franz Waxman
  • Paris UndergroundAlexandre Tansman
  • A Song to RememberMiklós Rózsa, Morris Stoloff
  • The SouthernerWerner Janssen
  • This Love of OursHans J. Salter
  • The Valley of DecisionHerbert Stothart
  • The Woman in the WindowArthur Lange, Hugo Friedhofer
Musical Score:
Anchors Aweigh
Georgie Stoll
  • Belle of the YukonArthur Lange
  • Can't Help SingingJerome Kern (posthumous nomination), Hans J. Salter
  • Hitchhike to HappinessMorton Scott
  • Incendiary BlondeRobert Emmett Dolan
  • Rhapsody in BlueRay Heindorf, Max Steiner
  • State FairAlfred Newman, Charles Henderson
  • Sunbonnet SueEdward J. Kay
  • The Three CaballerosCharles Wolcott, Edward H. Plumb, Paul J. Smith
  • Tonight and Every NightMarlin Skiles, Morris Stoloff
  • Why Girls Leave HomeWalter Greene
  • Wonder ManRay Heindorf, Lou Forbes
1946 Original Score:
The Best Years of Our Lives
Hugo Friedhofer
  • Anna and the King of SiamBernard Herrmann
  • Henry VWilliam Walton
  • HumoresqueFranz Waxman
  • The KillersMiklós Rózsa
Musical Score:
The Jolson Story
Morris Stoloff
  • Blue SkiesRobert Emmett Dolan
  • Centennial SummerAlfred Newman
  • The Harvey GirlsLennie Hayton
  • Night and DayRay Heindorf, Max Steiner
1947 Original Score:
A Double Life
Miklós Rózsa
  • The Bishop's WifeHugo Friedhofer
  • Captain from CastileAlfred Newman
  • Forever AmberDavid Raksin
  • Life with FatherMax Steiner
Musical Score:
Mother Wore Tights
Alfred Newman
1948 Original Score:
The Red Shoes
Brian Easdale
  • HamletWilliam Walton
  • Joan of ArcHugo Friedhofer
  • Johnny BelindaMax Steiner
  • The Snake PitAlfred Newman
Musical Score:
Easter Parade
Johnny Green, Roger Edens
  • The Emperor WaltzVictor Young
  • The PirateLennie Hayton
  • Romance on the High SeasRay Heindorf
  • When My Baby Smiles at MeAlfred Newman
1949 Original Score:
The Heiress
Aaron Copland
  • Beyond the ForestMax Steiner
  • ChampionDimitri Tiomkin
Score of a Musical Picture:
On the Town
Roger Edens, Lennie Hayton
  • Jolson Sings AgainMorris Stoloff, George Duning
  • Look for the Silver LiningRay Heindorf

1950s[]

Year Winner
Composer
Nominees
1950 Score of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture:
Sunset Boulevard
Franz Waxman
  • All About EveAlfred Newman
  • The Flame and the ArrowMax Steiner
  • No Sad Songs for MeGeorge Duning
  • Samson and DelilahVictor Young
Score of a Musical Picture:
Annie Get Your Gun
Adolph Deutsch, Roger Edens
  • CinderellaOliver Wallace, Paul Smith
  • I'll Get ByLionel Newman
  • Three Little WordsAndré Previn
  • The West Point StoryRay Heindorf
1951 Score of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture:
A Place in the Sun
Franz Waxman
  • David and BathshebaAlfred Newman
  • Death of a SalesmanAlex North
  • Quo VadisMiklós Rózsa
  • A Streetcar Named DesireAlex North
Score of a Musical Picture:
An American in Paris
Johnny Green, Saul Chaplin
1952 Score of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture:
High Noon
Dimitri Tiomkin
  • IvanhoeMiklós Rózsa
  • The Miracle of Our Lady of FatimaMax Steiner
  • The ThiefHerschel Burke Gilbert
  • Viva Zapata!Alex North
Score of a Musical Picture:
With a Song in My Heart
Alfred Newman
  • Hans Christian AndersenWalter Scharf
  • The Jazz SingerRay Heindorf, Max Steiner
  • The MediumGian-Carlo Menotti
  • Singin' in the RainLennie Hayton
1953 Score of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture:
Lili
Bronislau Kaper
  • Above and BeyondHugo Friedhofer
  • From Here to EternityMorris Stoloff, George Duning
  • Julius CaesarMiklós Rózsa
  • This is CineramaLouis Forbes
Score of a Musical Picture:
Call Me Madam
Alfred Newman
  • The Band WagonAdolph Deutsch
  • Calamity JaneRay Heindorf
  • The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. TFriedrich Hollaender, Morris Stoloff
  • Kiss Me KateAndré Previn, Saul Chaplin
1954 Score of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture:
The High and the Mighty
Dimitri Tiomkin
  • The Caine MutinyMax Steiner
  • GenevieveLarry Adler (Front: Muir Mathieson)
  • On the WaterfrontLeonard Bernstein
  • The Silver ChaliceFranz Waxman
Score of a Musical Picture:
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Adolph Deutsch, Saul Chaplin
  • Carmen JonesHerschel Burke Gilbert
  • The Glenn Miller StoryJoseph Gershenson, Henry Mancini
  • A Star Is BornRay Heindorf
  • There's No Business Like Show BusinessAlfred Newman, Lionel Newman
1955 Score of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture:
Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing
Alfred Newman
  • Battle CryMax Steiner
  • The Man with the Golden ArmElmer Bernstein
  • PicnicGeorge Duning
  • The Rose TattooAlex North
Score of a Musical Picture:
Oklahoma!
Robert Russell Bennett, Jay Blackton, Adolph Deutsch
  • Daddy Long LegsAlfred Newman
  • Guys and DollsJay Blackton, Cyril J. Mockridge
  • It's Always Fair WeatherAndré Previn
  • Love Me or Leave MePercy Faith, George Stoll
1956 Score of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture:
Around the World in 80 Days
Victor Young (posthumous award)
  • AnastasiaAlfred Newman
  • Between Heaven and HellHugo Friedhofer
  • GiantDimitri Tiomkin
  • The RainmakerAlex North
Score of a Musical Picture:
The King and I
Alfred Newman, Ken Darby
  • The Best Things in Life Are FreeLionel Newman
  • The Eddy Duchin StoryMorris Stoloff, George Duning
  • High SocietyJohnny Green, Saul Chaplin
  • Meet Me in Las VegasGeorge Stoll, Johnny Green
1957 Original Score:
The Bridge on the River Kwai
Malcolm Arnold
  • An Affair to RememberHugo Friedhofer
  • Boy on a DolphinHugo Friedhofer
  • PerriPaul Smith
  • Raintree CountyJohnny Green
1958 Score of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture:
The Old Man and the Sea
Dimitri Tiomkin
  • The Big CountryJerome Moross
  • Separate TablesDavid Raksin
  • White WildernessOliver Wallace
  • The Young LionsHugo Friedhofer
Score of a Musical Picture:
Gigi
André Previn
  • The Bolshoi BalletYuri Faier, Gennady Rozhdestvensky
  • Damn YankeesRay Heindorf
  • Mardi GrasLionel Newman
  • South PacificAlfred Newman, Ken Darby
1959 Score of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture:
Ben-Hur
Miklós Rózsa
  • The Diary of Anne FrankAlfred Newman
  • The Nun's StoryFranz Waxman
  • On the BeachErnest Gold
  • Pillow TalkFrank DeVol
Score of a Musical Picture:
Porgy and Bess
André Previn, Ken Darby
  • The Five PenniesLeith Stevens
  • Li'l AbnerNelson Riddle, Joseph J. Lilley
  • Say One for MeLionel Newman
  • Sleeping BeautyGeorge Bruns

1960s[]

Year Winner
Composer
Nominees|-
1960 Score of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture:
Exodus
Ernest Gold
  • The AlamoDimitri Tiomkin
  • Elmer GantryAndré Previn
  • The Magnificent SevenElmer Bernstein
  • SpartacusAlex North
Score of a Musical Picture:
Song without End (The Story of Franz Liszt)
Morris Stoloff, Harry Sukman
  • Bells Are RingingAndré Previn
  • Can-CanNelson Riddle
  • Let's Make LoveLionel Newman, Earle H. Hagen
  • PepeJohnny Green
1961 Score of a Musical Picture:
Breakfast at Tiffany's
Henry Mancini
  • El CidMiklós Rózsa
  • FannyMorris Stoloff, Harry Sukman
  • The Guns of NavaroneDimitri Tiomkin
  • Summer and SmokeElmer Bernstein
Score of a Musical Picture:
West Side Story
Saul Chaplin, Johnny Green, Sid Ramin, Irwin Kostal
  • Babes in ToylandGeorge Bruns
  • Flower Drum SongAlfred Newman, Ken Darby
  • KhovanshchinaDimitri Shostakovich
  • Paris BluesDuke Ellington
1962 Score of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture:
Lawrence of Arabia
Maurice Jarre
  • FreudJerry Goldsmith
  • Mutiny on the BountyBronislau Kaper
  • Taras BulbaFranz Waxman
  • To Kill a MockingbirdElmer Bernstein
Score of a Musical Picture (adaptation or treatment):
The Music Man
Ray Heindorf
  • Billy Rose's JumboGeorge Stoll
  • GigotMichel Magne
  • GypsyFrank Perkins
  • The Wonderful World of the Brothers GrimmLeigh Harline
1963 Score of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture:
Tom Jones
John Addison
  • CleopatraAlex North
  • 55 Days at PekingDimitri Tiomkin
  • How the West Was WonAlfred Newman, Ken Darby
  • It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad WorldErnest Gold
Score of a Musical Picture (adaptation or treatment):
Irma la Douce
André Previn
  • Bye Bye BirdieJohnny Green
  • A New Kind of LoveLeith Stevens
  • Sundays and CybeleMaurice Jarre
  • The Sword in the StoneGeorge Bruns
1964 Score of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture:
Mary Poppins
Richard M. Sherman, Robert B. Sherman
  • BecketLaurence Rosenthal
  • The Fall of the Roman EmpireDimitri Tiomkin
  • Hush... Hush, Sweet CharlotteFrank DeVol
  • The Pink PantherHenry Mancini
Score of a Musical Picture (adaptation or treatment):
My Fair Lady
André Previn
  • A Hard Day's NightGeorge Martin
  • Mary PoppinsIrwin Kostal
  • Robin and the 7 HoodsNelson Riddle
  • The Unsinkable Molly BrownRobert Armbruster, Leo Arnaud, Jack Elliott, Jack Hayes, Calvin Jackson, Leo Shuken
1965 Original Score:
Doctor Zhivago
Maurice Jarre
  • The Agony and the EcstasyAlex North
  • The Greatest Story Ever ToldAlfred Newman
  • A Patch of BlueJerry Goldsmith
  • The Umbrellas of CherbourgMichel Legrand, Jacques Demy
Score of a Musical Picture (adaptation or treatment):
The Sound of Music
Irwin Kostal
  • Cat BallouDeVol
  • The Pleasure SeekersLionel Newman, Alexander Courage
  • A Thousand ClownsDon Walker
  • The Umbrellas of CherbourgMichel Legrand
1966 Original Score:
Born Free
John Barry
  • The Bible: In the BeginningToshiro Mayuzumi
  • HawaiiElmer Bernstein
  • The Sand PebblesJerry Goldsmith
  • Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?Alex North
Score of a Musical Picture (adaptation or treatment):
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
Ken Thorne
  • The Gospel According to St. MatthewLuis Enrique Bacalov
  • Return of the SevenElmer Bernstein
  • The Singing NunHarry Sukman
  • Stop the World – I Want to Get OffAl Ham
1967 Original Score:
Thoroughly Modern Millie
Elmer Bernstein
  • Cool Hand LukeLalo Schifrin
  • Doctor DolittleLeslie Bricusse
  • Far from the Madding CrowdRichard Rodney Bennett
  • In Cold BloodQuincy Jones
Score of a Musical Picture (adaptation or treatment):
Camelot
Alfred Newman, Ken Darby
1968 Original Score:
The Lion in Winter
John Barry
  • The FoxLalo Schifrin
  • Planet of the ApesJerry Goldsmith
  • The Shoes of the FishermanAlex North
  • The Thomas Crown AffairMichel Legrand
Score of a Musical Picture (adaptation or treatment):
Oliver!
– Adaptation score by Johnny Green
  • Finian's Rainbow – Adaptation score by Ray Heindorf
  • Funny Girl – Adaptation score by Walter Scharf
  • Star! – Adaptation score by Lennie Hayton
  • The Young Girls of Rochefort – Music and adaptation score by Michel Legrand; lyrics by Jacques Demy
1969 Original Score:
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Burt Bacharach
  • Anne of the Thousand DaysGeorges Delerue
  • The ReiversJohn Williams
  • The Secret of Santa VittoriaErnest Gold
  • The Wild BunchJerry Fielding
Score of a Musical Picture (adaptation or treatment):
Hello, Dolly!
– Adaptation score by Lennie Hayton and Lionel Newman
  • Goodbye, Mr. Chips – Music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse; adaptation score by John Williams
  • Paint Your Wagon – Adaptation score by Nelson Riddle
  • Sweet Charity – Adaptation score by Cy Coleman
  • They Shoot Horses, Don't They? – Adaptation score by John Green and Albert Woodbury

1970s[]

Year Winner
Composer
Nominees|-
1970 Original Dramatic Score:
Love Story
Francis Lai
  • AirportAlfred Newman (posthumous nomination)
  • CromwellFrank Cordell
  • PattonJerry Goldsmith
  • I GirasoliHenry Mancini
Original Song Score:
Let It Be
– Music and lyrics by The Beatles (John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr)
  • The Baby Maker – music by Fred Karlin; lyrics by Tylwyth Kymry
  • A Boy Named Charlie Brown – music by Rod McKuen, John Scott Trotter; lyrics by Rod McKuen, Bill Meléndez; Al Shean; adaptation score by Vince Guaraldi
  • Darling Lili – Music by Henry Mancini; lyrics by Johnny Mercer
  • Scrooge – music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse; arranged/adapted by Ian Fraser and Herbert W. Spencer
1971 Original Dramatic Score:
Summer of '42
Michel Legrand
  • Mary, Queen of ScotsJohn Barry
  • Nicholas and AlexandraRichard Rodney Bennett
  • ShaftIsaac Hayes
  • Straw DogsJerry Fielding
Original Song Score and Adaptation:
Fiddler on the Roof
– Adaptation Score by John Williams
  • Bedknobs and Broomsticks – Song Score by Richard M. Sherman, Robert B. Sherman; Adaptation Score by Irwin Kostal
  • The Boy Friend – Adaptation Score by Peter Maxwell Davies, Peter Greenwell
  • Tchaikovsky – Adaptation Score by Dimitri Tiomkin
  • Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory – Song Score by Leslie Bricusse, Anthony Newley; Adaptation Score by Walter Scharf
1972 Original Dramatic Score:
Limelight
Charlie Chaplin, Raymond Rasch (posthumous award), Larry Russell (posthumous award) (Note: This film was originally screened in 1952, but it was not shown in Los Angeles until 1972, at which point it become eligible for this nomination)
  • The GodfatherNino Rota (Note: This nomination was withdrawn when it was discovered that Rota had used music from an earlier score of his, Fortunella (1958), and the nomination was replaced by that of Sleuth)
  • ImagesJohn Williams
  • Napoleon and SamanthaBuddy Baker
  • The Poseidon AdventureJohn Williams
  • SleuthJohn Addison
Original Song Score and Adaptation:
Cabaret
– Adaptation Score by Ralph Burns
  • Lady Sings the Blues – Adaptation Score by Gil Askey
  • Man of La Mancha – Adaptation Score by Laurence Rosenthal
1973 Original Dramatic Score:
The Way We Were
Marvin Hamlisch
  • Cinderella LibertyJohn Williams
  • The Day of the DolphinGeorges Delerue
  • PapillonJerry Goldsmith
  • A Touch of ClassJohn Cameron
Original Song Score and Adaptation:
The Sting
– Adaptation Score by Marvin Hamlisch
  • Jesus Christ Superstar – Adaptation Score by André Previn, Herbert W. Spencer and Andrew Lloyd Webber
  • Tom Sawyer – Song Score by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman; Adaptation Score by John Williams
1974 Original Dramatic Score:
The Godfather Part II
Nino Rota, Carmine Coppola
  • ChinatownJerry Goldsmith
  • Murder on the Orient ExpressRichard Rodney Bennett
  • ShanksAlex North
  • The Towering InfernoJohn Williams
Original Song Score and Adaptation:
The Great Gatsby
– Adaptation Score by Nelson Riddle
  • The Little Prince – Song Score by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe; Adaptation Score by Angela Morley and Douglas Gamley
  • Phantom of the Paradise – Song Score by Paul Williams; Adaptation Score by Paul Williams and George Aliceson Tipton
1975 Original Dramatic Score:
Jaws
John Williams
  • Birds Do It, Bees Do ItGerald Fried
  • Bite the BulletAlex North
  • One Flew Over the Cuckoo's NestJack Nitzsche
  • The Wind and the LionJerry Goldsmith
Original Song Score and Adaptation:
Barry Lyndon
– Adaptation Score by Leonard Rosenman
  • Funny Lady – Adaptation Score by Peter Matz
  • Tommy – Adaptation Score by Peter Townshend
1976 Original Score:
The Omen
Jerry Goldsmith
  • ObsessionBernard Herrmann (posthumous nomination)
  • The Outlaw Josey WalesJerry Fielding
  • Taxi DriverBernard Herrmann (posthumous nomination)
  • Voyage of the DamnedLalo Schifrin
Original Song or Adaptation Score:
Bound for Glory
– Adaptation Score by Leonard Rosenman
  • Bugsy Malone – Song Score and Adaptation Score by Paul Williams
  • A Star Is Born – Adaptation Score by Roger Kellaway
1977 Original Score:
Star Wars
John Williams
  • Close Encounters of the Third KindJohn Williams
  • JuliaGeorges Delerue
  • Mohammad, Messenger of GodMaurice Jarre
  • The Spy Who Loved MeMarvin Hamlisch
Original Song or Adaptation Score:
A Little Night Music
– Adaptation Score by Jonathan Tunick
  • Pete's Dragon – Song Score by Al Kasha and Joel Hirschhorn; Adaptation Score by Irwin Kostal
  • The Slipper and the Rose—The Story of Cinderella – Song Score by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman; Adaptation Score by Angela Morley
1978 Original Score:
Midnight Express
Giorgio Moroder
Original Adaptation Score:
The Buddy Holly Story
Joe Renzetti
  • Pretty BabyJerry Wexler
  • The WizQuincy Jones
1979 Original Score:
A Little Romance
Georges Delerue
Original Song or Adaptation Score:
All That Jazz
– Adaptation Score by Ralph Burns
  • Breaking Away – Adaptation Score by Patrick Williams
  • The Muppet Movie – Song Score by Paul Williams and Kenny Ascher; Adaptation Score by Paul Williams

1980s[]

Year Winner
Composer
Nominees
1980 Fame
Michael Gore
  • Altered StatesJohn Corigliano
  • The Elephant ManJohn Morris
  • The Empire Strikes BackJohn Williams
  • TessPhilippe Sarde
1981 Chariots of Fire
Vangelis
  • DragonslayerAlex North
  • On Golden PondDave Grusin
  • RagtimeRandy Newman
  • Raiders of the Lost ArkJohn Williams
1982 Original Score:
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
John Williams
  • GandhiRavi Shankar; George Fenton
  • An Officer and a GentlemanJack Nitzsche
  • PoltergeistJerry Goldsmith
  • Sophie's ChoiceMarvin Hamlisch
Original Song or Adaptation Score:
Victor Victoria
– Song Score by Henry Mancini, Leslie Bricusse Adaptation Score by Henry Mancini
  • Annie – Adaptation Score by Ralph Burns
  • One from the Heart – Song Score by Tom Waits
1983 Original Score:
The Right Stuff
Bill Conti
Original Song or Adaptation Score:
Yentl
– Song Score by Michel Legrand, Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman
  • The Sting II – Adaptation Score by Lalo Schifrin
  • Trading Places – Adaptation Score by Elmer Bernstein
1984 Original Score:
A Passage to India
Maurice Jarre
Original Song Score:
Purple Rain
Prince
  • The Muppets Take ManhattanJeff Moss
  • SongwriterKris Kristofferson
1985 Out of Africa
John Barry
  • Agnes of GodGeorges Delerue
  • The Color PurpleQuincy Jones; Jeremy Lubbock; Rod Temperton; Caiphus Semenya; Andraé Crouch; Chris Boardman; Jorge Calandrelli; Joel Rosenbaum; Fred Steiner; Jack Hayes; Jerry Hey; Randy Kerber
  • SilveradoBruce Broughton
  • WitnessMaurice Jarre
1986 Round Midnight
Herbie Hancock
1987 The Last Emperor
Ryuichi Sakamoto, David Byrne, Cong Su
  • Cry FreedomGeorge Fenton; Jonas Gwangwa
  • Empire of the SunJohn Williams
  • The UntouchablesEnnio Morricone
  • The Witches of EastwickJohn Williams
1988 The Milagro Beanfield War
Dave Grusin
1989 The Little Mermaid
Alan Menken

1990s[]

Note: From 1995 to 1998, songwriters and lyricists along with orchestral underscore composers were also eligible for nominations in the "Musical or Comedy Score" category.[4]

Year Winner
Composer
Nominees
1990 Dances with Wolves
John Barry
1991 Beauty and the Beast
Alan Menken
1992 Aladdin
Alan Menken
  • Basic InstinctJerry Goldsmith
  • ChaplinJohn Barry
  • Howards EndRichard Robbins
  • A River Runs Through ItMark Isham
1993 Schindler's List
John Williams
  • The Age of InnocenceElmer Bernstein
  • The FirmDave Grusin
  • The FugitiveJames Newton Howard
  • The Remains of the DayRichard Robbins
1994 The Lion King
Hans Zimmer
1995 Dramatic Score:
The Postman (Il Postino)
Luis Bacalov
Musical or Comedy Score:
Pocahontas
Music by Alan Menken; Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz; Orchestral Score by Alan Menken
1996 Dramatic Score:
The English Patient
Gabriel Yared
Musical or Comedy Score:
Emma
Rachel Portman
1997 Dramatic Score:
Titanic
James Horner
Musical or Comedy Score:
The Full Monty
Anne Dudley
1998 Dramatic Score:
Life Is Beautiful
Nicola Piovani
Musical or Comedy Score:
Shakespeare in Love
Stephen Warbeck
1999 The Red Violin
John Corigliano
  • American BeautyThomas Newman
  • Angela's AshesJohn Williams
  • The Cider House RulesRachel Portman
  • The Talented Mr. RipleyGabriel Yared

2000s[]

Year Winner
Composer
Nominees
2000 Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Tan Dun
2001 The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Howard Shore
2002 Frida
Elliot Goldenthal
  • Catch Me If You CanJohn Williams
  • Far from HeavenElmer Bernstein
  • The HoursPhilip Glass
  • Road to PerditionThomas Newman
2003 The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
Howard Shore
2004 Finding Neverland
Jan A. P. Kaczmarek
2005 Brokeback Mountain
Gustavo Santaolalla
  • The Constant GardenerAlberto Iglesias
  • Memoirs of a GeishaJohn Williams
  • MunichJohn Williams
  • Pride & PrejudiceDario Marianelli
2006 Babel
Gustavo Santaolalla
2007 Atonement
Dario Marianelli
2008 Slumdog Millionaire
A. R. Rahman
2009 Up
Michael Giacchino

2010s[]

Year Winner
Composer
Nominees
2010 The Social Network
Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
2011 The Artist
Ludovic Bource
2012 Life of Pi
Mychael Danna
2013 Gravity
Steven Price
2014 The Grand Budapest Hotel
Alexandre Desplat
  • The Imitation GameAlexandre Desplat
  • InterstellarHans Zimmer
  • Mr. TurnerGary Yershon
  • The Theory of EverythingJóhann Jóhannsson
2015 The Hateful Eight
Ennio Morricone
  • Bridge of SpiesThomas Newman
  • CarolCarter Burwell
  • SicarioJóhann Jóhannsson
  • Star Wars: The Force AwakensJohn Williams

See also[]

  • List of film music awards § Best score

References[]

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  2. Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Utilities at line 38: bad argument #1 to 'ipairs' (table expected, got nil).
  3. Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Utilities at line 38: bad argument #1 to 'ipairs' (table expected, got nil).
  4. Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Utilities at line 38: bad argument #1 to 'ipairs' (table expected, got nil).
  5. Lisa Gerrard and Klaus Badelt also received screen credit for music score, but only Zimmer was deemed eligible for the nomination.

External links[]

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