Hans Zimmer Calls Golden Globes Score Snub a “Shame,” Praises Composers’ Invisible Work

As anticipation builds ahead of Sunday’s Golden Globes, legendary composer Hans Zimmer is speaking out against a controversial decision by the awards show: the choice not to televise the best original score category.

Zimmer didn’t mince words when asked about it.

“I think it’s a shame not to honor those people — my friends — who work so hard to become a voice,” he told Variety in an interview with Angelique Jackson. For Zimmer, composers do far more than add background music. They shape a film’s emotional language, guiding audiences through tension, heartbreak, triumph, and joy.

The Oscar-winning composer, known for balancing intensity with humor, went on to describe the relentless pace of filmmaking. Long nights, no weekends, and little time at home are simply part of the job.

“Everybody who works on a film works their utmost,” Zimmer said, joking that his children sometimes barely recognize him when he comes home. Beneath the humor, his point was serious: every contribution matters, and none should be overlooked.

“This year is a fantastic year for composers,” he added. “Don’t ignore them. You don’t have a movie without them.”

Zimmer’s comments carry weight. He is nominated this year for his work on F1, marking his 17th Golden Globe nomination for best original score. He has already won the award three times, for Dune (2022), Gladiator (2001), and The Lion King (2004).

F1 stars Brad Pitt as a retired Formula One driver who returns to the sport to mentor a rising young talent, played by Damson Idris. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, the high-speed sports drama is also nominated in the cinematic and box office achievement category.

Zimmer isn’t the only acclaimed composer in the running this year. The best original score nominees include Alexandre Desplat (Frankenstein), Ludwig Göransson (Sinners), Jonny Greenwood (One Battle After Another), Kangding Ray (Sirāt), and Max Richter (Hamnet).

Despite his disappointment, Zimmer couldn’t resist finding a silver lining in the decision to skip the televised presentation.

“It means I don’t have to make an insane speech and embarrass humanity as we know it,” he joked.

Still, his message was clear: behind every great film is a score that gives it a soul — and the artists who create that music deserve to be seen and heard.