Composing Greatness: #2. Thomas Newman - "The Shawshank Redemption" (1994)

Scene from The Shawshank Redemption

Welcome to Composing Greatness: a column dedicated to exploring the work of film composers. This will specifically focus on the films that earned them Oscar nominations while exploring what makes it so special. This will be broken down into a look at the overall style, interesting moments within the composition, and what made the score worth nominating in the first place. This will also include various subcategories where I will rank the themes of each film along with any time that the composer actually wins. This is a column meant to explore a side of film that doesn't get enough credit while hopefully introducing audiences to an enriched view of more prolific composers' work. This will only cover scores/songs that are compiled in an easily accessible format (so no extended scores will be considered). Join me every Sunday as I cover these talents that if you don't know by name, you recognize by sound.

R.I.P. Burt Reynolds (1936-2018)

Burt Reynolds

On September 6, 2018, actor and director Burt Reynolds passed away at the age of 82 in Jupiter, Florida. Over a storied career going back to the 50's, he has celebrated a career as one of the most successful actors of his generation. Among his noteworthy works were action movies like Smokey and the Bandit and Cannonball Run as well as dramas like Deliverance, The Longest Yard, and Boogie Nights. Even if he didn't always get the respect he deserved, he was known for being able to enjoy his career, often poking fun at his own failures and enjoying comedic bits whenever he appeared in various interviews. He leaves behind an impressive body of work that is most of all known for featuring a fun and charismatic performance that could be counted on to entertain audiences. He was one of a kind, and he will be missed.

Looks Like the Best Popular Film Category Won't Be Happening After All

Scene from Black Panther

It has been a pretty past few days for The Academy. Yesterday they announced the recipients of this year's Honorary Oscars. Today, they make not so much an announcement but an apology of sorts. Around the start of the summer season, they announced a series of changes that would impact the upcoming ceremony. Among the most noteworthy and controversial was the announcement of the Best Popular Film Award. It didn't go over well, with almost general disdain felt towards the category that had yet defined guidelines. Well, for those who were worried about how this award would impact the year ahead, just know that it isn't happening, though it's unclear if this will be a permanent hiatus.

Here's the List of This Year's Honorary Oscar Recipients

Kathleen Kennedy

As with every year, one of the most exciting parts of Oscar season is when they announce the recipients of this year's Honorary Oscars. They're voted on by the Board of Governors and presented to people in the arts that have done significant work. In this case, it seems like a doozy of a year featuring five people on the list. The people this year include publicist Marvin Levy, composer Lalo Schifrin, and actress Cicely Tyson. Also receiving the Irving G. Thalberg award is two producers Frank Marshall and Kathleen Kennedy, the latter of whom is the first woman to win said award. With this impressive line-up comes recognition for a lot of great talent in the industry.