James Newton Howard, an American composer, orchestrator, and music producer who has garnered a total of eight Academy Award nominations, is widely recognized for his impressive body of work. His impressive career has been marked by numerous collaborations with the acclaimed director M. Night Shyamalan, with whom he has worked on a multitude of projects.
Howard's unique approach to music composition is characterized by its emotional depth and subtle power, making his scores truly stand out in a wide range of films. His versatility as a composer has enabled him to work on a diverse array of projects, from intense dramas to thrilling action films.
Some of his most notable works include the scores for the critically acclaimed films The Fugitive, The Sixth Sense, Signs, The Village, and the Batman films directed by Christopher Nolan, namely Batman Begins and The Dark Knight.
Howard's impressive musical background was meticulously crafted by touring as a skilled keyboardist alongside the renowned Elton John during the late 1970s and early 1980s. As part of this esteemed musical collaboration, Howard had the opportunity to meticulously arrange strings for several of Elton's chart-topping hits, including the iconic "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" and the timeless "Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word". Furthermore, Howard's talents extended beyond arrangement, as he also provided additional keyboards and synthesizers on several of Elton's critically-acclaimed studio albums, such as the highly-regarded Rock of The Westies, the ambitious Blue Moves, the introspective 21 At 33, and the eclectic The Fox.
Howard, a talented musician, embarked on a journey that took him from his stint with the renowned Elton John to a brief yet memorable tenure with the iconic trio, Crosby, Stills and Nash. As he continued to hone his craft, Howard's attention shifted towards film music in the mid-1980s, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his illustrious career.
His breakthrough score, a masterpiece that would leave a lasting impact on the world of cinema, was for the 1990 blockbuster, Pretty Woman. This cinematic masterpiece, a romantic comedy that captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, not only cemented Howard's status as a rising star in the world of film music but also set the stage for his future success.
Howard's impressive work on Pretty Woman was merely a precursor to his subsequent nomination for the Academy Award for his score for Barbra Streisand's drama, The Prince of Tides, in 1991. This prestigious recognition was a testament to Howard's remarkable talent and dedication to his craft, solidifying his position as one of the most sought-after film composers of his generation.
Howard's remarkable career has been punctuated by an impressive array of accolades, with no less than four additional nominations for Best Original Score at the esteemed Academy Awards for his work on The Fugitive, My Best Friend's Wedding, The Village, and Michael Clayton. Furthermore, his impressive musical talents have also earned him nods for Best Song for his scores in Wyatt Earp, Waterworld, and Primal Fear.
Howard's extensive and diverse filmography boasts an impressive array of credits, including scores for the beloved animated film Space Jam, the disaster movie Dante's Peak, the crime thriller Collateral, the animated adventure Dinosaur, the science fiction classic Treasure Planet, the Disney animated epic Atlantis: The Lost Empire, and the blockbuster monster movie King Kong, among many, many others.
Beyond his impressive body of work in the realm of cinema, Howard has also made a profound impact on the world of television, garnering a prestigious Emmy nomination for his outstanding contributions to the theme and pilot of the gripping drama series ER, a testament to his exceptional skill and artistry. Furthermore, Howard's creative prowess was recognized with an Emmy award for his masterful composition of the theme to the critically acclaimed drama Gideon's Crossing, a notable achievement that underscores his versatility and talent as a composer.
