The Recording Academy has unveiled its roster of contenders for the 2026 Grammy Awards in the categories dedicated to video game soundtracks and scores for visual media. For the first time, the ceremony will spotlight interactive entertainment alongside film and television compositions, underscoring how immersive audio has become an essential element of modern storytelling.
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Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media
This year’s nominees highlight the growing artistry behind game music, where dynamic compositions adapt to player choices and environments. Competing for the top honor are:
- Alicia Keyes – “Echoes of Eternity” (Galaxy Rift Studios)
An orchestral journey that shifts seamlessly between cosmic wonder and intimate character themes. - Ryuichi Sakamoto & Laura Bousman – “Quantum Rebellion” (NeonForge Interactive)
A fusion of electronic pulses and string arrangements reflecting the clash between humanity and rogue AI. - Luis Bolaños – “Jungle Spirits” (Third Eye Games)
An immersive blend of tribal percussion, woodwinds and ambient textures capturing a mystical rainforest world. - Sarah Hopkins – “Runestone Chronicles” (Ironheart Studios)
A Celtic-inspired score driven by haunting vocals, lively fiddles and resonant drones. - Marcus Zhang – “Cyber Heist 2099” (VectorLoop Entertainment)
A synthwave-infused soundtrack mixing retro-futuristic beats with suspenseful motifs.
Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media
This category salutes composers whose work elevates storytelling on screen, blending orchestral richness with modern production. The 2026 nominees include:
- Hans Zimmer – “The Last Horizon”
A sweeping orchestral tapestry underscored by electronic elements, scoring a sci-fi epic of interstellar exploration. - Laura Karpman – “Blood & Silk”
Emotive strings and percussive rhythms bring to life a sweeping historical drama set in feudal Asia. - Bear McCreary – “Shadowfall”
A dark fantasy series accompanied by choral forces, ethnic instruments and brooding motifs. - Hildur Guðnadóttir – “Mirrored Souls”
A minimalist, haunting score weaving cello, piano and electronic pulses for a psychological thriller. - Ramin Djawadi – “City of Ghosts”
A dynamic fusion of jazz, orchestral swells and urban textures underscoring a detective noir.
These nods underscore how interactive and visual mediums increasingly rely on sophisticated sound design and composition to create emotional depth. From adaptive game scores that respond in real time to players’ actions, to film and television soundtracks that define the mood and pacing of each scene, composers are pushing creative boundaries.
The winners in these categories will be revealed during the 68th Grammy Awards ceremony, slated for February 2026. With video game music earning its own dedicated accolade for only the second time, the Recording Academy continues to recognize the artistic convergence of technology, narrative and melody.
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