The Motion Picture Sound Editors’ 72nd Golden Reel Awards were handed out Sunday night at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles, celebrating the essential craft of sound design in film. The Golden Reel Award recognizes excellence in sound editing across various mediums, including feature films, student films, broadcast, gaming, and interactive media. MPSE President David Barbersaid emphasized during the ceremony that sound is an “invisible art,” often overlooked yet vital to the emotional experience of film. He urged the audience to appreciate the artistry of sound, stating, “Let’s get people excited about what they hear, as much as they’re excited about what they see.”
Actor-comedian Patton Oswalt returned as host for the third consecutive year, opening the ceremony with humor and a touch of seriousness regarding the industry’s current challenges. “It isn’t even March yet, and Wilhelm has lost his scream,” he joked, further remarking on the precarious state of streaming content. Oswalt acknowledged the magical qualities of sound design, highlighting the hard work and creativity behind unique auditory experiences.
This year’s top honor for sound editing went to “Call of Duty: Black Ops 6,” which received two awards, marking it as the most awarded title of the night. Other notable winners included “Wicked,” “The Wild Robot,” “Emilia Pérez,” and “Dune: Part Two” in the film categories, while “Shōgun,” “The Penguin,” and “Arcane” achieved recognition in television.
Oswalt celebrated the creativity found in sound design, likening sound editors to painters of auditory experiences. He fondly recalled the unique atmospheres crafted in films like “Nosferatu,” and praised the ability of sound to capture feelings and settings, transporting audiences into different realities. His commentary underscored an essential point: the art of sound is often central to a viewer’s emotional journey, yet remains underappreciated compared to the visual aspects of film.
The event also showcased two honorary awards, including the Career Achievement Award presented to supervising sound editor Greg Hedgepath. Hedgepath recounted his 30-year journey in the industry, collaborating with notable directors like George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola. His heartfelt narrative included memories of facing microaggressions in the workplace, shedding light on the often unspoken challenges faced by professionals in the film industry.
Hedgepath reflected on his upbringing in Shepherd Park, Washington D.C., as a formative influence on his career. This background instilled in him a sense of confidence, unencumbered by the racial divides often seen in Hollywood. He shared an emotional moment about overcoming adversity within his professional environment, asserting, “I know that I’m no better, no worse, than anybody else.” His resilience shone through as he discussed overcoming depression as he navigated the complexities of the industry.
Continuing the evening’s celebration, Kevin Costner received the Honorary Filmmaker’s Award for his contributions to film and his understanding of sound design’s impact. During his acceptance speech, Costner paralleled his journey in acting to that of the sound editors in the audience, illustrating a shared passion for storytelling through sound. He urged attendees to reflect on their own paths in the industry and how they found their inspiration.
Costner remarked, “How did you find your yellow brick road? How did you find sound?” He emphasized the importance of the dedication and passion that drives industry professionals, questioning how they manage to find joy in their labor amid the challenges of the industry. Costner’s words resonated with many, reflecting a common sentiment among creatives: the pursuit of excellence in their work is often fueled by a desire to connect with audiences on a deeper level.
He argued passionately for the significance of sound in film, stating, “Sound still remains the single greatest contribution to filmmaking, and that’s why the world continues to cherish this art form.” His endorsement of the importance of sound design highlighted its role as a foundational element in storytelling.
In an exciting revelation, Costner mentioned that the second installment of his project, “Horizon: An American Saga,” screened earlier at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, generating anticipation among attendees for its theatrical release.
The event wrapped up with a comprehensive list of MPSE Golden Reel Award winners, showcasing excellence across diverse categories. These included accolades for sound editing in animation, documentaries, and student films, further underscoring the event’s commitment to recognizing talent across the spectrum of sound design.
As the evening drew to a close, it became clear that the passion ignited by figures like Kevin Costner and Patton Oswalt for sound design could reverberate across the industry, inspiring a new generation of sound artists. The Golden Reel Awards not only celebrated the achievements of sound editors but also aimed to elevate the overall appreciation of sound in film, ensuring that this invisible art continues to hold a celebrated space in the cinematic world.
