Last month, before the Oscars on March 2, composer Kris Bowers sat down with the Associated Press to reflect on his journey in crafting the score for “The Wild Robot”—a project that earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score. Known for his work on “King Richard” and “Green Book,” as well as his Oscar-winning short documentary “The Last Repair Shop,” Bowers has established himself as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after composers.
For Bowers, composing is more than just writing music—it’s storytelling. With “The Wild Robot,” he set out to create a score that not only complemented the film’s breathtaking visuals but also conveyed the emotional depth of Roz, a robot struggling to connect in an unfamiliar world. To achieve this, he immersed himself in the film’s early sketches, translating his own emotions into melodies that would resonate with audiences.
The journey of composing for animation presented new challenges. Unlike live-action films, where silence can be just as powerful as sound, animated films often rely on near-constant music to carry the narrative. Bowers embraced the challenge, ensuring that each note played a role in shaping the film’s emotional core.
One of the most personal influences on his work was his experience watching his wife during pregnancy. The transformation and sacrifices of parenthood became an inspiration, helping him craft sounds that capture the profound complexity of love, care, and growth.
Bowers also drew from the legendary John Williams, studying the final act of “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope” to inform the climactic moments of “The Wild Robot.” Williams’ ability to weave memorable themes into storytelling left a lasting impact on Bowers, reinforcing his belief in music’s role in deepening a film’s emotional journey.
Beyond the world of film scoring, Bowers credits the late Kobe Bryant as a mentor who challenged him to push his artistry to new heights. Bryant’s philosophy of relentless dedication left a mark on Bowers, who approaches each project with a mindset of continuous growth.
Despite its powerful storytelling and evocative score, “The Wild Robot” ultimately lost out to “Flow,” which made history as Latvia’s first Oscar-winning animated feature. Still, Bowers’ nomination cements his place among the industry’s elite, ensuring that his work will inspire future generations of composers just as he was once inspired.
To dive deeper into Bowers’ creative process and reflections, read the full Associated Press interview. Film trailer below.
