Daniel Blumberg has won Best Original Score, for The Brutalist, at the 2025 Academy Awards. The former Yuck frontman accepted his trophy from Mark Hamill at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre. “Thank you to the Academy and everyone who watched the film and honored the work. It means a lot to be acknowledged like this,” Blumberg said. “I’ve been an artist for 20 years now, since I was a teenager. When I met Brady, I found my artistic soulmate. For him to trust me in this work and to grow alongside him has been so special. Thank you, Brady. I love you. I want to thank my collaborators, my co-producer Peter Walsh, and the artists who played on the score. The sounds you hear on The Brutalist are made by a group of hardworking, radical musicians who’ve been making uncompromising music for many years. I’m accepting this award on behalf of them, too.”
This is Blumberg’s first Oscars win and first nomination. He beat out Volker Bertelmann (Conclave) Clément Ducol and Camille (Emilia Pérez), John Powell and Stephen Schwartz (Wicked) and Kris Bowers (The Wild Robot). Last year, Ludwig Göransson and his Oppenheimer score took home the trophy.
The Brutalist also won Best Cinematography at tonight’s ceremony, and is still up for Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor. The 2025 Academy Awards have thus far featured a performance from Wicked co-stars Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who sang a series of Wizard of Oz-inspired numbers, and a James Bond tribute courtesy of Blackpink’s Lisa, Doja Cat, and Raye. Earlier in the night, French songwriting duo Clément Ducol and Camille won Best Original Song for “El Mal” from Emilia Pérez.
Read “The Brutalist Composer Daniel Blumberg on His Striking, Oscar-Nominated Score,” and follow all of Pitchfork’s coverage of the 2025 Academy Awards.
