Can Pemberton Finally Snag an Oscar This Year?

The competition for the Best Original Score Oscar is shaping up to be exceptionally competitive this year. Multiple award-winning composers are at the forefront of predictions. Ludwig Göransson, a three-time Oscar winner, is a prominent figure with a strong chance of securing another statuette for his work on "The Odyssey."

Veteran composer Hans Zimmer, fresh off his second win for "Dune" (2021), is expected to submit new cues for Denis Villeneuve's upcoming film, "Dune: Part Three," due in December. Meanwhile, the legendary 94-year-old John Williams continues to defy age and expectation, collaborating with Steven Spielberg again and holding numerous Oscar nominations, making him a persistent contender.

Significant attention is also on English musician Daniel Pemberton, whose extensive and celebrated filmography has often been overlooked by the Academy. Despite past nominations for his songwriting, his original scores for films like "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse" have been widely praised. Pemberton is contributing to six films this year and recently received the Distinguished Composer Award at the Middleburg Film Festival, fueling speculation about his Oscar prospects.

Other potential contenders include newcomers like Raül Refree, Damon Albarn, Ari Balouzian, and Devonté Hynes, as well as established artists such as Randy Newman and Michael Giacchino. Female composers like Rebekka Karijord and Hildur Guðnadóttir are also highlighted as potential nominees.

The Oscars' preliminary voting for shortlist in 12 categories runs from December 7-11, 2026. The official nominations will be announced on January 21, 2027, with the 99th Academy Awards ceremony scheduled for March 14, 2027. The Governors Awards, honoring Glenn Close and Ridley Scott, will take place on November 15.