In a recent turn of events in the cinematic world, Ludwig Göransson's exceptional musical contributions to the film 'Sinners' earned him the prestigious Golden Globe for Best Original Score. This achievement, his second such accolade, was notably recognized during a ceremony that controversially decided to exclude the category from its televised broadcast. The decision sparked a debate within the industry regarding the visibility and appreciation of film composers. Göransson's victory underscores the artistic merit of his work, even as the broader presentation of these awards faces scrutiny from industry professionals and audiences alike.
Göransson's Golden Globe Victory Overshadowed by Broadcast Cuts
At the 2026 Golden Globe Awards, Ludwig Göransson was honored with the Best Original Score award for his compelling work on the film 'Sinners.' This significant win marks his second career Golden Globe. Göransson triumphed over a formidable group of nominees, including Alexandre Desplat for 'Frankenstein,' Jonny Greenwood for 'One Battle After Another,' Kangding Ray for 'Sirāt,' Max Richter for 'Hamnet,' and Hans Zimmer for 'F1.' However, the announcement of his victory occurred off-air, as CBS and Paramount+ made the contentious decision to remove the Best Original Score category from the live broadcast to save time, despite introducing new categories like Best Podcast Award and Cinematic and Box Office Achievement.
This move drew criticism from prominent figures in the film industry. Veteran composer Hans Zimmer, speaking on the red carpet to Deadline, voiced his disappointment, describing the omission as "a little bit ignorant." Zimmer emphasized the crucial role composers play in the filmmaking process, stating, "Our first job is to remind him why he did this film in the first place." His remarks highlight a growing concern within the artistic community about the marginalization of certain crafts in major awards ceremonies.
Earlier in the evening, the award for Best Original Song went to the creative team behind 'Kpop Demon Hunters' global hit, “Golden.” Songwriters and lyricists Ejae, Joong Gyu Kwak, Yu Han Lee, Hee Dong Nam, Jeong Hoon Seo, Park Hong Jun, and Mark Sonnenblick collectively received the honor. Other notable nominees in this category included Miley Cyrus and Mark Ronson for "Dream as One" from 'Avatar: Fire and Ash,' Raphael Saadiq and Ludwig Göransson for "I Lied to You" from 'Sinners,' Stephen Schwartz for two songs from 'Wicked: For Good,' and Nick Cave and Bryce Dessner for "Train Dreams" from 'Train Dreams.' The event also featured appearances by several musical artists, including Charli XCX, Miley Cyrus, Blackpink's Lisa, and Snoop Dogg, who served as award presenters.
This year’s ceremony followed the 2025 Golden Globe Awards, where Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross were recognized for their Best Original Score in 'Challengers.' In the same year, Camille and Clément Ducol received the Best Original Song award for "El Mal" from 'Emilia Pérez.' The ongoing conversation around the Golden Globes' broadcast choices suggests a need for reevaluation to ensure all artistic contributions to film are adequately celebrated.
The recent Golden Globe Awards have ignited a crucial conversation about the recognition of musical scores in film. While the decision to cut the Best Original Score category from the televised broadcast might have been an attempt to streamline the show, it inadvertently highlighted a deeper issue: the potential undervaluation of composers' contributions to cinematic storytelling. As a viewer and admirer of film, it's disheartening to see the very soul of a movie—its musical landscape—relegated to an untelevised announcement. Music doesn't just accompany visuals; it elevates them, evoking emotions and deepening narratives in ways that dialogue or imagery alone cannot. This incident serves as a poignant reminder that every element of filmmaking, from the grandest directorial vision to the most subtle musical cue, is integral to the magic we experience on screen. Perhaps this controversy will spur future awards ceremonies to reconsider their priorities, ensuring that all artistic endeavors, especially those that profoundly enrich our cultural tapestry, receive the spotlight they truly deserve.