Grammy Snubs Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's Soundtrack in 2026
The list of nominees for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards has officially been announced, sparking the annual wave of excitement, celebration, and spirited debate among music and gaming fans alike. This year marks the fourth time the Recording Academy has recognized video game scores with a dedicated category: "Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media." While the list features a stunning collection of talent, one glaring omission has left many in the community puzzled: the critically acclaimed soundtrack for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
The nomination list is a testament to the incredible musical artistry present in modern gaming, but the absence of the year's most talked-about RPG score raises questions about the nomination process and what constitutes an award-worthy composition in the eyes of the Academy.
The 2026 Grammy Nominees for Best Video Game Score
This year's nominations represent a diverse range of genres and musical styles, from epic orchestral pieces to atmospheric electronic soundscapes. The competition is fierce, with each nominee bringing a unique and powerful auditory experience to the table. Here are the official 2026 nominees:
- Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora - Composed by Pinar Toprak
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth - Composed by Mitsuto Suzuki & Masashi Hamauzu
- Alan Wake 2 - Composed by Petri Alanko
- Star Wars Outlaws - Composed by Wilbert Roget, II
- Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree - Composed by Yuka Kitamura
Each of these scores has been lauded for its ability to elevate its respective game, creating immersive worlds and heightening emotional moments. Pinar Toprak’s work on Avatar captures the majestic and dangerous beauty of Pandora, while the score for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth brilliantly re-imagines one of gaming’s most iconic soundtracks. Similarly, the haunting melodies of Alan Wake 2, the cinematic sweep of Star Wars Outlaws, and the dark grandeur of the Elden Ring expansion all make compelling cases for the golden gramophone.
A Shocking Omission: The Case for Expedition 33
Despite the strength of the nominated field, the exclusion of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 feels like a significant oversight. Released on April 24, 2025, the game was not only praised for its stunning visuals and innovative turn-based combat but was also universally celebrated for its breathtaking musical score.
Composed by Lorien Testard, the soundtrack for Expedition 33 is a masterful blend of sweeping orchestral arrangements, poignant character motifs, and unique, ethereal textures that perfectly complement the game’s somber yet hopeful tone. From the moment the game was revealed, its music was a central part of its identity, drawing players into its beautiful and melancholic world.
The development studio, Sandfall Interactive, clearly understood the power of their game's music. They heavily featured Testard's compositions in all promotional materials and, in a move that demonstrated immense confidence in the score's appeal, confirmed plans for a premium vinyl release shortly after the game's launch. This kind of physical release is typically reserved for soundtracks that have a significant cultural and artistic impact, which only makes its Grammy snub more confusing for its passionate fanbase.
What Makes the Expedition 33 Score So Special?
To understand the disappointment surrounding the snub, one has to look at what made Lorien Testard's score so resonant. It wasn't just background music; it was a core narrative component.
- Emotional Storytelling: The score dynamically weaves itself into the game’s story, which follows Expedition 33 on its yearly quest to halt the mysterious "Paintress" from painting over the sun. Testard’s music captures the weight of this impossible mission, conveying feelings of loss, determination, and fragile hope without a single word of dialogue.
- Unique Instrumentation: The soundtrack skillfully blends traditional orchestral instruments with folk elements and haunting vocalizations, creating a sound that is both timeless and entirely unique to the world of Clair Obscur.
- Memorable Motifs: Like all great soundtracks, Expedition 33 is built on a foundation of powerful, recurring musical themes. Each major character and location has a distinct melodic identity, which evolves as the player progresses through the story, adding layers of emotional depth to the journey.
For many players, the music was not just an accompaniment to their adventure but an integral part of the experience itself—an emotional guide through a dying world.
The Growing Recognition of Video Game Music
The inclusion of a dedicated video game category at the Grammys was a landmark moment, finally giving composers in the interactive space the mainstream recognition they have long deserved. It acknowledges that crafting a score for a game, which can span dozens of hours and must react dynamically to player choice, is a unique and monumental artistic challenge.
While this year's nominees are all deserving, the conversation surrounding the omission of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 highlights the ongoing challenge of recognizing the full breadth of talent in the industry. As the category continues to evolve, many hope to see it embrace the innovative and emotionally resonant scores from independent and breakout hits alongside the blockbusters. For now, fans will have to be content enjoying Lorien Testard’s masterpiece on their own turntables, knowing it is a winner in their hearts.