Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross have once again proven their mettle, clinching the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score at the 2025 ceremony for their work on Luca Guadagnino’s film Challengers. This win marks their third time receiving this prestigious accolade, following previous triumphs for The Social Network in 2011 and Pixar's Soul in 2021. Notably, this latest victory establishes Reznor and Ross as significant players within Hollywood's elite circle of composers.
Their memorable acceptance moment unfolded with Elton John enthusiastically cheering “YAY!” as the duo's names were announced alongside co-presenter Brandi Carlile. Although Reznor opted not to speak at the podium, Ross offered heartfelt thanks during his brief yet meaningful speech. “I’d like to thank my best friend, my musical partner, the great Trent Reznor. The music never felt like a safe choice, but it always felt like the right one,” he expressed, sharing heartfelt gratitude toward those who supported them.
The duo's win solidifies the innovative nature of their scores, particularly visible in Challengers, where they melded elements of French electro with hard techno to create a propulsive and club-inspired soundtrack. Their musical composition plays significantly upon the eroticism present within the sport of tennis, echoing the movie’s themes of rivalry and relationships, as seen through the love triangle involving the film's characters portrayed by Mike Faist, Josh O'Connor, and Zendaya.
Reflecting on their partnership with director Guadagnino, Ross recounted the initial enticing proposition, stating, “Do you want to be on my next film? It’s going to be super sexy.” This comment encapsulated the spark of inspiration driving their scoring process, inferring the high-energy nature of the project. The film's eloquence and energy culminated within the intimate resonance of its sound design.
Despite their golden triumph, Reznor and Ross faced stiff competition for the Best Original Song category as their track “Compress / Repress” from Challengers was nominated. The honor, nonetheless, went to “El Mal” from Emilia Pérez—an indication of the competitive nature within this year’s Golden Globes. They held initial optimism about winning both categories but were embraced by the celebration of another musical performer as they ascended the podium.
Within the greater narrative, the Golden Globes also served to provide valuable insights for upcoming Academy Award nominations. Both Reznor and Ross are on the shortlist for the Oscars within the same categories and are viewed favorably to potentially bring home more accolades at the Oscars next month. They recently directed their efforts toward scoring Disney's anticipated film TRON: Ares, marking their first new project since 2020, igniting excitement among fans about what lies on the horizon.
Throughout the evening, the atmosphere brimmed with celebration and camaraderie among competitors, with moments such as Elton John's comedic aside about mistaking Carlile for Rihanna reflecting the relaxed ambiance among participants. The wins and interactions showcased not only the importance of the award itself but the relationships cultivated throughout their careers. John, lifting both fists high as he exchanged jokes, exemplified the excitement surrounding Reznor and Ross’s well-deserved recognition.
Much to their delight, Ross, again emphasizing the support surrounding their projects, concluded his acceptance speech by saying, “We want to thank the most important people in our lives, our wives and our children. Mariqueen, Trent loves you. Claudia, I love you. And all the kids, we love you.” This sentiment echoed what truly drives them as artists—their loved ones—reminding the audience of the interconnectedness of personal and professional journeys.
The win for Challengers not only builds on their remarkable track record but also ensures they remain at the forefront of cultural discussions, intersecting music and cinematic storytelling with modern musical sensibilities. The future looks undoubtedly bright for Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross as their work continues to garner both acclaim and audience appreciation.