skip to main content

Success at Oscars for UK Session Musicians

Our members and approved contractors contributed to some of the soundtracks of the very best films won and nominated.

Published: 15 March 2023 | 11:50 AM Updated: 17 March 2023 | 12:04 PM
Flag with the Academy Awards logo waving with the American flag blurred in the background.
"The UK continues to lead the way in film music soundtrack and song recording". Image credit: Shutterstock.

This year was the 95th Academy Awards and on March 12, the Oscars took place at the Dolby Theatre, Hollywood to celebrate movies released in 2022.

All of the below listed films had soundtracks recorded here in the UK, some of which saw contributions from MU members, as well as our own approved fixers:

  • All Quiet on the Western Front: WINNER – Music (Original Score), WINNER – International Feature Film, WINNER – Cinematography, WINNER – Best Production Design, NOMINEE - Best Picture.
  • The Whale: WINNER - Best Actor, WINNER – Makeup and Hair Styling
  • Elvis: NOMINEE – Best Picture, NOMINEE – Actor in a Leading Role, NOMINEE – Cinematography, NOMINEE – Costume Design, NOMINEE – Film Editing
  • The Banshees of Inisherin: NOMINEE – Music (Original Score), NOMINEE – Best Picture, NOMINEE – Actor in a Leading Role, NOMINEE – Actor in a Supporting Role, NOMINEE – Directing, NOMINEE – Film Editing
  • Living: NOMINEE – Actor in a Leading Role
  • Black Panther – Wakanda Forever: WINNER – Costume Design, NOMINEE – Music (Best Original Song), NOMINEE – Actress in a Supporting Role
  • Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio: WINNER – Animated Feature Film
  • Mrs Harris goes to Paris: NOMINEE – Costume Design
  • The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse: WINNER - Short Film (Animated)- Special congratulations to Isobel Waller-Bridge and the BBC Concert Orchestra

Our members and approved contractors are at the heart of this great UK success

Geoff Ellerby, MU National Organiser for Recording & Broadcasting, said:

“The UK continues to lead the way in film music soundtrack and song recording. Our members and approved contractors are at the heart of this great UK success. Truly inspirational work across the board - performing, conducting, arranging, music copying and library work.

A special congratulations to our extremely hard-working approved contractors who book the players, negotiate with Producers and work with the MU on a daily basis to ensure musicians are properly paid with favourable contract terms.”

Get MU membership today

From gig players to part-time teachers and professional instrumentalists, MU members can access specialist insurance for musicians. This includes Public Liability, Instrument and Equipment Insurance, Accident Insurance, Tax Investigation Insurance, and Professional Indemnity Insurance for music teachers.

Explore our member services

  • Get public liability insurance for musicians
  • Access expert legal support
  • Be represented in your profession
  • Access expert career advice, resources, and training events
  • Connect, network, and get to know the community of musicians

Learn about all membership benefits

Get MU membership today

Continue reading

Members and staff marching in the parade waving M U flags, the large bright yellow banner, and wearing t-shirts. Many others are behind them marching in the road.

Celebrate Union Pride with the MU at Tolpuddle 2026

Join us at this year’s Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival, 17–19 July in Dorset. Celebrate trade unionism with thousands of members and supporters, enjoy panels, workshops and live music, and take part in the famous banner march through the village.

Published: 19 June 2026

Read more about Celebrate Union Pride with the MU at Tolpuddle 2026
Young Black college-age woman, sat at a kitchen  table with headphones on, looking at a laptop screen in concentration, next to a stack of books and notes.

What Could New V Levels Mean for Music Education?

MU National Organiser for Education, Health and Wellbeing Chris Walters explores what the government's reform of level 3 technical qualifications could mean for music education, including its impact on access, progression and existing courses.

Published: 16 June 2026

Read more about What Could New V Levels Mean for Music Education?