Hans Zimmer Slams Golden Globes for Snubbing Best Score

While the Golden Globes are usually all about glitz and celebration, not everyone left the ceremony in high spirits this year. Legendary composer Hans Zimmer, known for his work on blockbusters like Inception, Gladiator, and the Dune series, was among those less than impressed. Zimmer, who attended the event as a nominee for his score in F1: The Movie, found himself disappointed when the Best Original Score award was quietly handed out during a commercial break, rather than during the main show. He didn’t mince words, labelling the move as “ignorant.”

Instead of giving the spotlight to the composers, the organisers chose to air other categories, such as Best Podcast, during the official broadcast. Zimmer, who’s no stranger to the awards circuit, was quick to point out the significance of music in film and the effort composers put in behind the scenes.

Zimmer’s Reaction to the Golden Globes Decision

Ludwig Göransson ended up taking home the trophy for his score in the horror flick Sinners, adding to his growing list of accolades. But before the winner was even announced, all the nominees were already aware that their category wouldn’t be featured on the main telecast. The decision to cut the award from the official broadcast on CBS and Paramount+ didn’t sit well with Zimmer.

Speaking on the red carpet just before the ceremony kicked off, Zimmer didn’t hold back. He said,

“It feels a little bit ignorant. We are the psychological underbelly of the whole thing.

This is a room filled with filmmakers who understand the mechanics and understand when I come home after working on a film, my children don't know who I am because I haven't been home for months…The composer has such an important role in making films by the time we come to the music, the director has been through war. Our first job is to remind him why he did this film in the first place.”

Composers Left Out in the Cold

Host Nikki Glaser took the mickey out of Zimmer during her opening monologue, sharing a laugh at his expense, but the composer wasn’t amused by the way things played out. When asked what he’d say to the person responsible for the decision, Zimmer replied,

“I wouldn't talk to them – I think our potential friendship has been cancelled.”

Zimmer’s frustration is understandable, given his long history with the Golden Globes. He’s picked up two wins over the years: first in 1995 for The Lion King, and again in 2001 for Gladiator. He’s also got a pair of Oscars under his belt, with The Lion King earning him the statuette in 1995 and Dune bringing him another in 2022.