At the 97th Academy Awards on March 2, 2025, Daniel Blumberg achieved a significant milestone by winning the Oscar for Best Original Score for his composition for the film The Brutalist. This marks Blumberg's first win and nomination at the Oscars, following his previous accolades, including the Ivor Novello Award for Best Original Film Score for The World to Come in 2022.
Blumberg received the prestigious award at the Dolby Theatre from Star Wars icon Mark Hamill, who joined him on stage to celebrate this monumental occasion. During his heartfelt acceptance speech, Blumberg expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you to the Academy and everyone who watched the film and honored the work. It means a lot to be acknowledged like this." He also reflected on his long artistic career, stating, "I’ve been an artist for 20 years now, since I’ve been a teenager. When I met Brady, I met my artistic soulmate... Thank you, Brady. I love you." The composer took the opportunity to shine the light on his collaborators, including co-producer Peter Walsh and the talented musicians who contributed to the score. "The sound you hear on The Brutalist is made by a group of hardworking, radical musicians... I’m accepting this award on behalf of them too," he added.
Blumberg's score for The Brutalist was praised for its ability to evoke powerful emotions, fitting seamlessly with the film's themes. His work is integral to the film, which portrays the story of Lázló Tóth, played by Adrien Brody, who is depicted as a visionary Hungarian architect escaping the Holocaust and seeking his American dream. The film itself was notable for its ambitious storytelling, with stunning visuals and strong performances, which also garnered it success at the Oscars, winning Best Cinematography prior to Blumberg’s victory.
Blumberg’s competition for Best Original Score included esteemed artists such as Volker Bertelmann for Conclave, Clément Ducol and Camille for Emilia Pérez, John Powell and Stephen Schwartz for Wicked, and Kris Bowers for The Wild Robot.
The evening featured electrifying performances, including stunning numbers by the cast of Wicked, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, and tributes to the James Bond franchise featuring Blackpink’s Lisa, Doja Cat, and Raye. Earlier, Clément Ducol and Camille won the Oscar for Best Original Song for their composition “El Mal” from Emilia Pérez, marking another highlight of the night.
Blumberg's victory solidifies his growing status within the film music community, especially considering this was only his second score for a feature film. His debut score for The World to Come, directed by Mona Fastvold and also co-written by Brady Corbet, had already set the stage for his success.
This win adds to Blumberg's impressive list of recent accolades, which include the BAFTA for Best Original Score and Outstanding Original Score for Independent Film awarded by the Society of Composers & Lyricists. Industry insiders see great potential for Blumberg, especially as he embarks on his next project, where he will reunite with director Fastvold for the film Ann Lee, which will star Amanda Seyfried and Thomasin McKenzie, among others.
Following the awards, industry experts reflected on Blumberg’s rapid rise as one of the promising voices of his generation, likening his innovative compositions to immersive experiences similar to those of Mica Levi. Music enthusiasts noted how the score uniquely blended jazz elements with raw, visceral emotions, echoing the protagonist’s inner turmoil.
With his Oscar win, Daniel Blumberg has not only established himself as a formidable composer but has also contributed significantly to the narrative depth of the films he works on. The Brutalist, which continues to be screened at theatres and is available on digital download services, is poised to leave a lasting impact on the cinematic world, greatly aided by Blumberg’s evocative score.
Looking forward, as he embraces new challenges, Blumberg remains grounded, emphasizing the importance of collaboration. The artists who helped shape The Brutalist and the integrity of their collective work will continue to inspire him as he moves forward. His dedication reflects the essence of modern artistry, where the narrative is intertwined with the musical score to create powerful storytelling experiences.