Assassin’s Creed composer Austin Wintory expresses support for Clair Obscur after Grammy snub

Austin Wintory congratulates 2026 Grammy nominees but says he “would happily trade places” for Clair Obscur

Composer Austin Wintory, known for his work on Assassin’s Creed and Journey, has expressed support for the video game score Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 following the 2026 Grammy nominations.

Wintory, who is nominated for his score for Sword of the Sea, posted on X/Twitter that he was “sad at the lack of Expedition 33 among them” and added, “I would happily trade places. That score is the definition of worthy.”

This year’s nominees for Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media include Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora – Secrets of the Spires, Helldivers 2, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Star Wars Outlaws: Wild Card & A Pirate’s Fortune, and Sword of the Sea. Wintory congratulated the Recording Academy for including his own nomination but highlighted the absence of Clair Obscur.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, developed by Sandfall Interactive, received widespread acclaim for its orchestral score composed by Lorien Testard and its distinct visual style.

Fans and critics praised the game’s music for its intricate composition and emotional resonance, marking it as one of the standout video game scores of the year.

Although Clair Obscur was not shortlisted for a Grammy, observers anticipate that it may achieve recognition at The Game Awards 2025. According to the official event website, nominees for the ceremony will be announced in mid-November.

Wintory’s comments have been noted by fans online, who have echoed his admiration for the game’s soundtrack and expressed hope for further awards recognition.