The Oscar Snub of 2025: A Missed Opportunity
This year saw an incredible film score that took home a Golden Globe but shockingly failed to earn an Oscar nomination. The movie in question is Luca Guadagnino's Challengers, featuring an electrifying score by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.
Why Challengers Deserved Recognition
During a pivotal scene in Challengers, we witness the characters Art and Patrick fixated on Tashi as she passionately dominates a tennis match. The accompanying track "Yeah x10" heightens the tension and excitement, showcasing the trio's complicated dynamics. Watching this with friends, we all erupted in laughter at the synchronized lean of the boys, perfectly in tune with the music. Moments like these exemplify the magic of cinema.
Yet, despite its Golden Globe win, the Academy chose not to acknowledge Challengers with a single nomination at the Oscars. This includes categories like Best Original Score and Best Original Song. The nominees in the Best Original Score category include Emilia Pérez, Conclave, The Wild Robot, Wicked, and The Brutalist, many of which do not resonate as strongly with audiences.
The Impact of the Score
Evaluating a movie's score based on its influence within the film, Challengers should have been a frontrunner for a nomination. Reznor and Ross crafted a soundtrack that perfectly aligns with the film's energy. From driving techno beats during tennis matches to reflective classical notes during character conflicts, the music intensifies the story's themes.
Furthermore, if popularity among audiences factored into the Academy’s considerations, they would see that songs from Challengers boast millions of streams on platforms like Spotify. It's puzzling why the Academy wouldn't want to embrace a score that not only resonates but also cultivates a broader audience.
A Missed Chance for Innovation
Perhaps the Academy thought Reznor and Ross already had enough accolades to their name, with previous Oscar wins for The Social Network and Soul. However, dismissing such groundbreaking work undermines artistic innovation. Challengers showcases a bold use of electronic dance music, and its success exemplifies the film’s adventurous spirit.
In retrospect, should previous achievements prevent a deserving nominee's recognition? Absolutely not. The arts thrive on acknowledging new and innovative contributions, regardless of past accolades.
The Final Thoughts
In a year of remarkable filmmaking and scoring, the snub of Challengers at the Oscars is a disappointment for fans who recognize its artistic merit. While the Golden Globe win is a testament to its impact, the lack of an Oscar nod is a missed opportunity that leaves many wondering about the Academy's criteria for recognition.
Oscar, Score, Challengers