April Foolish Predictions: What film scores will be loved in 2018?
Thursday, April 19, 2018 at 11:41AM by Nathaniel R
Mary Poppins (1964) was nominated for 13 Oscars winning 5. Will Mary Poppins Returns (2018) also win Oscar hearts?
Since scores are often one of the very last components to fall into place in post-production, determining which scores might stand out at year's end is like throwing darts blindfolded. Each year some composers are replaced between our first round of predictions and the time their films arrive. Plus some 2018 movies haven't even hired a composer yet. Presumably they're waiting for Alexandre Desplat's schedule to open up. Only half joking! The perpetually in demand French composer and double Oscar winner generally scores anywhere from 5 to 10 (gulp) movies a year and he only has three films currently scheduled for release in 2018 (Isle of Dogs, Operation Finale, and Kursk... though we suspect The Sisters Brothers will hit this year as well, making it 4). Other Oscar favorites who have suspiciously empty schedules this year include Hans Zimmer and Thomas Newman.
From the year's releases that we've already seen we're curious about how A Quiet Place and Black Panther might hold up in the sound categories, too, since both films are blockbusters and A Quiet Place, especially, relies heavily on its aural elements for its success.
In related news: Best Original Song is next to impossible to predict this early as details are always scarce until late in the year but if you have any premonitions do let us know! Here is our guesswork on the sound categories for the next Oscar race and the April Foolish Predictions thus far.
Reader Comments (19)
I've just got a "Lin-Manuel Miranda best supporting actor winner" because of this photo.
Who is John Newman?
I've just got a "Lin-Manuel Miranda best supporting actor winner" because of this photo.
Nope. He's not that beloved outside of Broadway.
I noticed that, too, Raul. I'm guessing Nat meant 14-time nominee Thomas Newman (always a bridesmaid), who last scored Victoria & Abdul and has an empty slate this year, according to IMDB.
Allegedly "Backseat"'s final scene will be a musical/dance number so maybe that could factor in ala "Jai Ho" from "Slumdog Millionaire".
It'd make sense for the music branch to nominate Johann Johannsson one last time. He has three films lined up, although each of them is problematic: Mary Magdalene is under the shadow of Weinstein and received mediocre reviews in the UK. The Mercy doesn't have US distribution yet, as far as I know. Mandy has great reviews but is a (1) horror film (2) starring Nic Cage.
A shame to lose such a talented composer so young.
Everybody loves Lin-Manuel Miranda. He's an icon. He's a Pullitzer-prize winner.
Can you imagine, a PEGOT? The narrative is ready to wear. He just needs to deliver.
/3rtful -- sorry, but Cal is right. He is a beloved showbiz figure and a genuinely nice guy too that people love to praise/work with.. Broadway hasn't seen a hit like HAMILTON in decades. and its reach is already incredible (in other words it's a true phenomenon... not just "popular on Broadway") All it would take would be a good performance in a well received film.
What do I know? On this very site I said Blanchett would win a 2nd Oscar in Best Actress. I knew McDormand was a threat the minute I saw the Three Billboards trailer. I felt an Oscar ping in my stomach at a screening for Where The Wild Things Are when The Blind Side trailer showed. I speak on the impenetrability of the Best Actress category for nonwhite nominees and Halle Berry remains the lone exception despite your protest she's overrated.
I.... don't know what connections are there.
In other news, though, at least half of my St. Louis friends seem to have seen "Hamilton" at The Fabulous Fox this week, according to my Facebook.
For Best Song, wasn't there yet another hit song from the "50 Shades" soundtrack? (And can we retroactively nominate "Love Me LIke You Do" from 2 years ago?)
Since scores are often one of the very last components to fall into place in post-production, determining which scores might stand out at year's end is like throwing darts blindfolded. Each year some composers are replaced between our first round of predictions and the time their films arrive.
/3rtful -- yeah, you lost me on that comment. I have no idea what you're talking about or what the connection is. what do Best Actress stats have to do with Lin-Manuel Miranda''s popularity?
But since you brought it up... in regards to Halle Berry. Someone being overrated and someone having won an Oscar are not incompatible. If fact this happens with alarming regularity! :) There are a lot of Best Actress winners who, like Berry, are not reliably great actors, just famous ones. Same goes for the men.
Forever1267 -- what is The Fabulous Fox?
WJ & Raul -- yeah, just a typo. sorry. fixed.
I love how random 3rtful's comments are. His lack of focus is a clear sign of mental illness.
What do you think about "Isle of Dogs" for Best Original Score?
The AMPAS has fallen in love with Desplat and I loved the movie's score. Not showy, but very very good
Could this be Glenn Close's year? I read that she is excellent in "The Wife' , so maybe Best Actress on her 7th try? It's about time. She's due!
Bette -- We discussed Glenn's chances here and we also reviewed the film in case you missed those. She's just great in it.
Bette -- We discussed Glenn's chances here and we also reviewed the film in case you missed those. She's just great in it.
Bette -- We discussed Glenn's chances here and we also reviewed the film in case you missed those. She's just great in it.
Surprised you don't have "All the Stars" up for Best Song. It's a huge radio hit, Kendrick's racking up awards in unexpected places, and Black Panther has probably the most popular movie soundtrack album in a while.