In film, a score is the mood. It is the suspense in a horror or thriller. It is the lightness of a feel-good period piece. It is the driving pulse of a drama.

The category of Best Original Score is always hard to narrow down. Similar names pop up through the years, but that doesn’t mean these usual suspects have an upper hand on any given award season. Following trends in other award shows is usually the best way to see who is going to win the Academy Award.

This year, there is a clear favorite, and his chances have been raised by his recent Golden Globe win. Ennio Morricone has a storied history in the movie business, ranging all the way back to the Sergio Leone spaghetti westerns of the 1960s. His work on Quentin Tarantino’s western The Hateful Eight put him in his wheelhouse. His score is beautiful. Add to this the fact that IMDb credits him with 500+ musical contributions to the entertainment industry and zero Academy Awards, and it becomes clear that this is his award.

Then again, Star Wars fever and nostalgia may give John Williams an unlikely edge.

 

Nominees:

• Bridge of Spies (Thomas Newman)
• Carol (Carter Burwell)
• The Hateful Eight (Ennio Morricone)
• Sicario (Johann Johannsson)
• Star Wars: The Force Awakens (John Williams)

 

Will Win: The Hateful Eight

Could Win: Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Dark Horse: Bridge of Spies

 

You can see a full list of 2016 Oscar predictions here.

As always, thanks for reading!

What do you think? Who will take home the Oscar gold for score? What is your favorite film score of all time? Let me know in the comments!

—Alex Brannan (@TheAlexBrannan)