Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross have solidified their status in the music industry and film scoring community with their recent triumph at the 2025 Golden Globe Awards. Their work on Luca Guadagnino's *Challengers* earned them the prestigious award for Best Original Score. This victory marks their third win in the category, following their previous successes with *The Social Network* and *Soul*. Their continuous excellence in crafting stunning musical scores has not only enriched the films they've worked on but also elevated Reznor and Ross as prominent figures in Hollywood's music scene.
The pair accepted their award at The Beverly Hilton, presented by Elton John and Brandi Carlile. Atticus Ross expressed his gratitude in accepting the award, acknowledging the passion and innovation that fuelled their work on the score. He noted, “The music that revealed itself as the voice of the *Challengers* never felt like a safe choice, but it always felt right.” His comments reflect the creative risk-taking that the duo has long been celebrated for—a sentiment mirrored by audiences and critics who were captivated by the musical layers they wove into Guadagnino's film.
Their victory also underscores their ability to transcend traditional film scoring boundaries by integrating distinct sounds that resonate with modern cinematic narratives. The duo's creative synergy has always been at the forefront, as evidenced by their collaborative victories over the years. Reznor, in particular, described their work on *Challengers* as an invigorating challenge, one that keeps him feeling vital amid a changing music landscape. He has openly mentioned how scoring allows him to engage with music in a more impactful way than his experience in the traditional music industry.
Their win came amidst stiff competition, not least from notable industry figures like Daniel Blumberg (*The Brutalist*). Despite the high level of competition, Reznor and Ross' score for *Challengers* stood out, described by many as a defining element of the film, enriching the romantic and complex dynamics between the characters. With their eyes set on further accolades, both musicians are expected to continue their successful streak at the upcoming Oscars, where they have already been shortlisted in multiple categories.
Key Takeaways
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www.spin.com | The film 'Challengers', scored by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, features a love triangle storyline starring Zendaya.
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www.loudersound.com | The 'Challengers' score is notable for its dance-leaning sound, which never led to any requests to turn it down, according to Atticus Ross.
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www.kerrang.com | Elton John and Brandi Carlile presented the Golden Globe award to Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.
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consequence.net | Reznor and Ross previously won Golden Globes for their scores in 'The Social Network' and 'Soul'.