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

The outside of the BBC Headquarters building.

BEAU Statement on BBC Charter Review Launch

The MU has joined sister unions in writing to Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport Lisa Nandy to reiterate the key principles that should underpin the BBC Charter Review process.

Published: 18 December 2025

Read more about BEAU Statement on BBC Charter Review Launch
Black and white image of a conductor in front of the orchestra pit in a theatre, cast members are on stage in the background out of focus.

MU Welcomes Arts Council England Review

We broadly welcome Baroness Margaret Hodge’s review of Arts Council England, which reflects many of the concerns raised by the MU and other creative unions. We will now press the government to respond positively to its recommendations.

Published: 18 December 2025

Read more about MU Welcomes Arts Council England Review
Naomi Pohl at Labour Party Conference 2024 holding a placard that says 'Labour's New Deal for Working People'.

Landmark Employment Rights Bill Becomes Law

The MU welcomes passage of the Employment Rights Bill, which will now become law. Shaped by trade union input, the legislation represents an important step forward for workers’ rights, equality and protections, with further reforms for freelancers promised in a second phase.

Published: 16 December 2025

Read more about Landmark Employment Rights Bill Becomes Law
A person's open palm holding a graphic of sound waves.

MU Urges Government to Back Musicians on AI

The MU is urging the Government to drop its original AI proposal after the interim consultation response revealed overwhelming opposition. With only 3% of respondents backing the preferred option, ministers must now deliver robust regulation to protect musicians’ rights.

Published: 16 December 2025

Read more about MU Urges Government to Back Musicians on AI