Grammy Nominees 2026: Clair Obscur Snubbed for Best Video Game Score
The nominations for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards have been unveiled, and while the list for Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media features a slate of impressive titles, the gaming community is buzzing about a notable omission. The stunning breakout title, *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*, was surprisingly absent from the list, leaving many to wonder how the highly anticipated game was overlooked.
This year's nominations showcase a diverse range of musical talent, from blockbuster sci-fi epics to sweeping fantasy adventures. The five soundtracks competing for the prestigious award are a testament to the growing artistry and importance of music in interactive entertainment. However, the absence of Sandfall Interactive's turn-based RPG, which captured imaginations with its unique Belle Époque-inspired aesthetic and powerful orchestral score during recent industry showcases, stands as the biggest surprise of the announcement.
A Look at the 2026 Grammy Nominees
The field for the 2026 award is packed with industry titans and celebrated composers, including one artist who secured two separate nominations. Here are the five official nominees for Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media:
- Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora – Secrets of the Spires - Pinar Toprak, composer
- Helldivers 2 - Wilbert Roget, II, composer
- Indiana Jones and The Great Circle - Gordy Haab, composer
- Star Wars Outlaws: Wild Card & A Pirate’s Fortune - Cody Matthew Johnson & Wilbert Roget, II, composers
- Sword of the Sea - Austin Wintory, composer
The list features an eclectic mix of scores. Pinar Toprak, known for her powerful work on *Captain Marvel*, lends her cinematic touch to the world of Pandora in *Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora*. Her score for the *Secrets of the Spires* story pack expands on the lush, alien soundscape that defines the game.
Meanwhile, Wilbert Roget, II, earned a well-deserved nomination for his bombastic and patriotic-satirical score for the smash-hit *Helldivers 2*. The music perfectly captures the game's over-the-top tone of "managed democracy," with swelling orchestral pieces that underscore every heroic (and often chaotic) moment. Roget’s work is so prolific this year that he also shares a nomination with Cody Matthew Johnson for their work on *Star Wars Outlaws*. This double nomination is a monumental achievement and highlights Roget's versatility as a composer.
Gordy Haab's nomination for the yet-to-be-released *Indiana Jones and The Great Circle* speaks to the power of a standalone musical release. Haab, a veteran of epic adventure scores with credits like *Star Wars Jedi: Survivor*, has clearly captured the iconic John Williams spirit. Rounding out the list is Austin Wintory for *Sword of the Sea*. Wintory is Grammy royalty in this category, having been the first composer ever nominated for a video game score with his seminal work on *Journey*. His return to the nominations is a celebrated one.
The Snub Heard Around the Industry: Clair Obscur Overlooked
Despite the strength of the nominees, the conversation has largely centered on the game that isn't on the list: *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*. Following its breathtaking reveal, the game became an instant sensation. Its unique world, inspired by France's "Belle Époque" era, and its dark, fairy-tale narrative were matched by a stunning musical score from composer Agathe Poupard featured in its trailers. The music blended sweeping, emotional orchestral movements with haunting choral arrangements, creating a sound that felt both timeless and entirely new.
The immediate and overwhelmingly positive reaction from players and critics alike positioned its soundtrack as a potential frontrunner for awards season. Its absence from the Grammy nominations is therefore shocking, but it may come down to a matter of technicality and timing. The Grammy eligibility period has strict rules, typically covering releases from October 1 of the prior year to September 30 of the current year. To be eligible, a soundtrack or at least a single from it must be commercially released for sale or streaming.
While games like *Indiana Jones* and *Star Wars Outlaws* are also unreleased, their composers likely released specific promotional tracks or digital singles within the eligibility window to qualify. It is probable that the music for *Clair Obscur: Expedition 33*, despite its public debut in trailers, has not yet had a commercial release, rendering it ineligible for this year's awards. While disappointing for fans, this likely means the score will be a major contender for the 2027 awards cycle, following the game's release.
Understanding the Grammy Process for Games
The category for Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media is still relatively new, having been first presented at the 65th Grammy Awards in 2023. The inaugural award was won by Stephanie Economou for her work on the *Assassin's Creed Valhalla: Dawn of Ragnarök* expansion.
The creation of this dedicated category was a landmark moment, signifying the Recording Academy's official recognition of video game music as a distinct and vital art form. The nomination process is complex, involving submissions from record labels and artists, followed by voting from Academy members who are experts in their fields. The key takeaway for fans is the importance of the commercial release date, which determines a soundtrack's eligibility year, independent of the game's actual release date. This nuance explains how we can see future hits nominated alongside games already in players' hands. As this year's list proves, the competition is only getting fiercer, pushing video game music to incredible new heights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When will the 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony take place? A: The 68th Annual Grammy Awards are scheduled to take place in early February 2026. The exact date is typically announced a few months prior to the event.
Q: Who won the last Grammy for Best Video Game Score? A: At the 66th Annual Grammy Awards in 2024, the award was given to composers Stephen Barton and Gordy Haab for their phenomenal work on *Star Wars Jedi: Survivor*.
Q: Can unreleased games be nominated for a Grammy? A: Yes. A game does not need to be released for its score to be nominated. The nomination is for the music itself. As long as a soundtrack album or an official single from the score is made commercially available during the Grammy eligibility period, it can be nominated.
Q: Who is Wilbert Roget, II? A: Wilbert Roget, II is a highly acclaimed composer for video games, known for creating dynamic and memorable scores. This year, he received two Grammy nominations for his work on *Helldivers 2* and *Star Wars Outlaws*. His past credits include major titles like *Mortal Kombat 11* and *Call of Duty: WWII*.