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Rachel Portman is a highly acclaimed English composer, renowned for her extensive and evocative work in film and television scores. She holds the historic distinction of being the first female composer to win an Academy Award for Best Original Musical or Comedy Score.Born in Haslemere, England, Portman demonstrated musical talent early, composing from age 14. She studied music at Worcester College, Oxford. Her career began scoring for BBC and Channel 4 films in the 1980s. Her breakthrough came with scores for films like 'Where Angels Fear to Tread' (1991) and 'Ethan Frome' (1993). She achieved widespread recognition and won the Oscar for her score to 'Emma' (1996). Known for lyrical, melodic, often orchestral scores, she has collaborated frequently with directors like Beeban Kidron and Lasse Hallström, composing for 'The Cider House Rules' (1999), 'Chocolat' (2000), 'The Duchess' (2008), and 'Belle' (2013), among many others.

• Portman began composing as a teenager, writing pieces for school plays and youth theatre groups, showcasing her precocious talent.
• Her Oscar win for 'Emma' in 1997 was a landmark moment, breaking the glass ceiling for female composers in an overwhelmingly male-dominated field.
• She often prefers to compose at the piano and write out her scores by hand before orchestration, valuing the direct connection with the music.