Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross have struck Golden Globe gold once again. The duo, who are known for their work as Nine Inch Nails, won the coveted 2025 Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score for their composition for the film Challengers. The ceremony took place at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 6, 2025, marking their third win at the Golden Globes.
The film, directed by Luca Guadagnino and featuring Zendaya as one of the leads, has received considerable acclaim, and the score is notable for its innovative electronic elements. Reznor and Ross previously won Golden Globes for their musical scores for The Social Network in 2010 and Soul in 2020, solidifying their status as influential composers.
Accepting the award, Atticus Ross expressed his gratitude, reflecting on the collaborative process behind the score. “This really means a lot, particularly in this special moment. First I’d like to thank my best friend, my musical partner, the great Trent Reznor,” he said. He continued, “The music never felt like a safe choice, but it always felt like the right one. I’d like to thank the maestro, the visionary director, our friend Luca Guadagnino… To be honest, we always thought we’d get the call, ‘Can you just turn it down a little?’ But it never came, and here we are.” Ross emphasized the creative freedom they experienced under Guadagnino's direction, allowing them to craft one of the boldest scores of the year.
Though the duo took home the award for Best Original Score, they were also nominated for Best Original Song for their track “Compress/Repress” from the film, but lost to “El Mal” from Emilia Pérez. The recognition for 'Challengers' marks another milestone for Reznor and Ross, as the film has been both a commercial and cultural hit, especially as it stimulated social media buzz among fans.
The Golden Globes ceremony, hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, kicked off the awards season composed of several honors, leading up to the Oscars on March 3, 2025. Reznor and Ross are also on the shortlist for both Best Original Score and Best Original Song at the Academy Awards for Challengers, setting the stage for continued success.
The score for Challengers has stood out not only for its artfulness but also for its capacity to engage the audience with the film's narrative. Zac Baxter, who leads the movie’s sound department, collaborated closely with the duo to integrate their score with the film’s sound palette, creating music that's thrilling and intimate. This synergy has undoubtedly helped Challengers achieve its status as one of the year’s top films.
Looking to future projects, Reznor and Ross are gearing up for their first soundtrack to be credited under the Nine Inch Nails name, contributing music for the upcoming film TRON: Ares. Fans eagerly anticipate new music from the iconic band as they have hinted at being inspired and ready to enter the studio.
With Reznor and Ross’ innovative approach to film scoring, it's no wonder audiences and critics alike remain captivated by their contributions to cinema. Their distinctive blend of electronic music within film narratives has proven transformative, and they continue to solidify their legacy within the industry.
The duo’s Golden Globe win showcases not only their talent but also their ability to evolve with the trends of contemporary filmmaking, ensuring their music resonates with both audiences and award committees. It's clear they are set for another admirable chapter, and it will be intriguing to see how Challengers prepares them for even more acclaim at the upcoming Academy Awards.