Music (Original Score) – Hildur Guonadottir, Joker

The original score category features some of Hollywood’s biggest heavyweights on the musical side. Despite the inclusion of Oscar-winners Alexandre Desplat, Randy Newman and John Willams, as well as 15-time nominee Thomas Newman, it’s Icelandic newcomer Hildur Guðnadóttir’s work on Joker that should be recognized for this year’s original score Oscar. Her score is tragic and gloomy, befitting its star and the setting, adding another layer to the surprise hit of the year.