How a Stress-Loving Composer and 125 Nominees Shape the Oscar Experience

Chris Walden Prepares for the Academy Awards with 120 Orchestrated Pieces

Chris Walden, the lead arranger for the Academy Awards, is tasked with orchestrating approximately 120 pieces of music in the months leading up to Hollywood’s most prestigious night.

Originally from Germany, Walden made the move to Los Angeles after a conversation with a film executive made him realize that his style of Hollywood music was not embraced in his home country.

Beyond his work for the Oscars, Walden founded the Pacific Jazz Orchestra, and he draws creative inspiration from the interplay between his efforts for the awards show and his orchestral compositions.