Super Mario Galaxy, Resident Evil & Monster Hunter Scores Nab Hollywood Music in Media Awards Nominations – Anime Fans Celebrate!

The buzz is real: the Hollywood Music in Media Awards (HMMA) just announced nominees that are sending ripples through the anime and gaming worlds. Three major franchises—Nintendo’s The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, Capcom’s Resident Evil live‑action reboot, and Monster Hunter Outlanders—have all secured nominations for their original scores. With the ceremony set for November 18 at Avalon Hollywood, fans are already lining up to see which of these iconic soundtracks will take home the coveted award.

What We Know

• Brian Tyler’s score for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie earned a nomination in the Score – Animated Film category. The film, a collaboration between Nintendo, Illumination, and Universal Pictures, is the sequel to The Super Mario Bros. Movie and opened in the United States and the United Kingdom on April 1, other select territories on April 3, and Japan on April 24.

• Ryan Holladay and Hays Holladay’s score for Sony Pictures Entertainment’s live‑action Resident Evil reboot was nominated in the Score – Horror/Thriller Film category. The film, based on Capcom’s survival‑horror game franchise, opened in the United States on September 18, ranking #1 and earning an estimated US$60 million in its opening weekend. It premiered in Japan on October 9, where it ranked #2.

• Tadayoshi Makino and Yuko Komiyama’s score for Monster Hunter Outlanders received a nomination in the Song/Score – Mobile Video Game category. The new mobile title, based on Capcom’s Monster Hunter action‑game franchise, launched for iOS and Android on October 29, with a mainland China version slated for 2027.

The awards ceremony will take place on November 18 at the Avalon Hollywood.

Why Fans Are Excited

The nomination news has ignited a wave of enthusiasm across multiple fandoms. For anime and gaming communities, music is often the emotional glue that binds the narrative to the audience. The recognition of these scores by HMMA signals that the industry is finally acknowledging the artistry behind the soundtracks that elevate beloved franchises.

• Mario’s soundtrack has long been celebrated for its whimsical, orchestral flair that captures the playful spirit of the franchise. Brian Tyler’s nomination feels like a well‑deserved nod to the film’s ability to translate the iconic video‑game music into a cinematic experience.

• Resident Evil’s score is crucial in building tension and dread, essential elements for a horror‑thriller. The Holladay brothers’ work has been praised for its atmospheric depth, and the nomination underscores how the live‑action adaptation has successfully translated the game’s eerie ambiance to the big screen.

• Monster Hunter Outlanders taps into the rising popularity of mobile gaming. The nomination for its score highlights the importance of music in creating an immersive experience even on handheld devices.

Social media is buzzing with threads dissecting each score’s composition, instrumentation, and how they complement their respective narratives. Fans are already predicting which score will win, and the anticipation is palpable as the November 18 ceremony approaches.

Background

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

Released in April 2026, The Super Mario Galaxy Movie follows the success of its predecessor. The film’s collaboration with Illumination and Universal Pictures marks a significant expansion of Nintendo’s cinematic ventures. Brian Tyler, known for his work on Spider‑Man and The Last Jedi, brings a fresh yet familiar orchestral approach that resonates with both longtime Mario fans and newcomers.

Resident Evil Reboot

Sony Pictures Entertainment’s live‑action reboot of Capcom’s Resident Evil franchise opened in September 2026. The film’s impressive $60 million opening weekend in the United States, coupled with a #2 ranking in Japan, demonstrates the global appeal of the franchise. The Holladay brothers’ score, characterized by its haunting motifs and dynamic crescendos, has been integral to the film’s critical acclaim.

Monster Hunter Outlanders

Monster Hunter Outlanders, a mobile spin‑off of Capcom’s acclaimed Monster Hunter series, launched on October 29 for iOS and Android. The game’s soundtrack, crafted by Tadayoshi Makino and Yuko Komiyama, blends traditional Japanese instrumentation with modern electronic elements, creating an engaging backdrop for the game’s action‑packed hunts.

What’s Next

With the nominations announced, the stage is set for a high‑stakes competition at the HMMA ceremony. While the awards are primarily focused on music, the nominations themselves serve as a testament to the growing intersection between anime, gaming, and film sound design.

• Potential for cross‑media collaborations: The recognition may encourage more partnerships between game composers and film studios, especially in projects that blend anime aesthetics with live‑action storytelling.

• Increased visibility for mobile game music: Monster Hunter Outlanders’ nomination could spark a broader appreciation for mobile gaming soundtracks, potentially leading to more award categories dedicated to this medium.

• Future projects: The success of Resident Evil and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie may pave the way for additional cinematic adaptations of popular game franchises, with composers receiving heightened recognition.

As the ceremony approaches, fans can expect a showcase of musical craftsmanship that not only honors the legacy of these iconic franchises but also sets a new standard for how music can elevate storytelling across media.

The excitement is building, and the awards night promises to be a milestone moment for anime and gaming soundtracks. Stay tuned for updates as we count down to November 18, when the Hollywood Music in Media Awards will decide which of these stellar scores takes home the top prize.