1. The Fabelmans - John Williams

Yes, it’s the shortest score here and likely the shortest ever collaboration between JW and SS, but it’s incredibly thoughtful, is probably the cleverest score here, the most emotionally well-judged, and coincidentally also the most effortlessly musical. I’m biased to Williams and though he’ll get a nostalgic, lifetime achievement vote, I don’t think he’ll win - but I’d be thrilled if he did.

2. Everything Everywhere - Son Lux

Incredible amount of craft and versatility in this soundtrack, which makes the most of its collaborations and the fact that it’s the first score nominated to be credited to a band. Creative, perfectly unhinged, naive and knowing. Would be very happy if this won.

3. Banshees of Inisheerin - Carter Burwell

This is a clever score, amplifying the fairytale aspects of the story and giving the viewer cues about what type pf story we’re seeing well before we see it. As usual, Burwell does great work with subtle drama and pushes against cliche. I can never *quite* get on his wavelength though.

4. Babylon - Justin Hurwitz

I liked the film a lot more than most and I don’t see the modern, jazz-esque music as a sin against historical accuracy. It works well in the movie, but the repetition is undeniably annoying outside the film, and again, largely content to just amplify what we’re seeing. A few temp track rewrites that don’t make a lot of sense. It could win simply because it has life and energy.