Kinda like a cloud they were up, way up in the sky with their latest win. Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross took home the win for best original score for their work on Challengers at the 2025 Golden Globes Sunday (Jan. 5).
And it wasn’t just the musical duo who was delighted by the win. Elton John, who co-presented the award alongside Brandi Carlile, lifted both fists in celebration as Reznor and Ross’ names were announced, and delivered an exhilarated “Yaaaaaaaaaaaaay!” as the two rockers made their way to the stage to accept the award.
At the mic, Ross delivered a short and sweet speech. “I’d like to thank my best friend, my musical partner, the great talent, Trent Reznor,” he said, gesturing to the beaming Nine Inch Nails frontman beside him, before delivering his thoughts on the film’s dance-music score. “The music that revealed itself as the voice of the Challengers never felt like a safe choice, but it always felt like the right one.”
Ross also thanked director Luca Guadagnino as well as the “fabulous Zendaya” (who was nominated for best actress in a musical or comedy for her portray as Tashi in the film) before sharing appreciation for their families. “We want to thank the most important people in our lives, our wives and our children. Mariqueen, Trent loves you,” he concluded. “Claudia, I love you. And all the kids, we love you.”
The duo’s win for Challengers marked their third Golden Globe victory. They previously won in the same category for The Social Network in 2011 and Soul in 2021; the latter is shared with Jon Batiste.
Reznor and Ross were also nominated in the best original song category for “Compress/Repress,” also from Challengers. “El Mal” from Emilia Pérez won that award.
The show was hosted by comedian Nikki Glaser, who herself was nominated for an award — best performance in a stand-up comedy on television, which went to Ali Wong.
The Golden Globes are produced by Dick Clark Productions, which is owned by Penske Media Corporation. PMC is also the parent company of Billboard.
