During the 83rd Golden Globe Awards, renowned composer Hans Zimmer expressed his discontent with the organizers’ decision to not televise the award for Best Original Score. He described the move as “ignorant” and indicated that his “potential friendship” with the event’s organizers has been “canceled.” This commentary highlights ongoing concerns regarding the recognition of composers in the film industry.
Disappointment on the Red Carpet
Speaking to Deadline on the red carpet, Zimmer emphasized the significance of composers in the filmmaking process, stating, “We are the psychological underbelly of the whole thing.” He further elaborated on the sacrifices filmmakers make, noting, “When I come home after working on a film, my children don’t know who I am because I haven’t been home for months.” Zimmer’s comments shed light on the often-overlooked role of composers in creating the emotional landscape of films.
When asked about the individuals behind the decision to exclude the category from the televised portion of the ceremony, Zimmer replied, “I wouldn’t talk to them—I think our potential friendship has been cancelled.” This strong reaction underscores his frustration with how the industry perceives the contributions of composers.
The Award Ceremony
Although the award for Best Original Score was presented during the ceremony, it took place during a commercial break, a move that drew criticism from Zimmer and others in the industry. The decision to exclude this category from the broadcast was made days before the event, citing time constraints as the primary reason.
Zimmer received a nomination for his work on Joseph Kosinski’s film, yet the award ultimately went to Ludwig Göransson for his score in Sinners. Other nominees included Alexandre Desplat for Frankenstein, Jonny Greenwood for One Battle After Another, Kangding Ray for Sirāt, and Max Richter for Hamnet.
The Golden Globes were broadcast simultaneously on CBS and Paramount+, drawing significant viewership despite the controversy surrounding its handling of the Original Score category. As the discourse continues regarding the recognition of various filmmaking roles, Zimmer’s remarks may spark further discussions in the industry about how to appropriately honor contributions from all creators.
