Justin Hurwitz is a talented composer known for his work on the musical film "La La Land," which features the enchanting song "City of Stars." Here are some interesting facts about Justin Hurwitz, "La La Land," and the song "City of Stars":
Composer Extraordinaire: Justin Hurwitz is an American composer and songwriter, born on January 22, 1985, in Los Angeles, California. He is best known for his collaborations with director Damien Chazelle, including "Whiplash" and "La La Land."
"La La Land" Collaboration: Justin Hurwitz and Damien Chazelle had been friends since their college days at Harvard University. They collaborated on various projects before achieving widespread recognition with "La La Land." The film marked their third collaboration together.
Musical Background: Hurwitz's background in music greatly contributed to the authenticity of the musical elements in "La La Land." He studied at the Berklee College of Music and later attended the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music for graduate studies.
Oscar Success: For his work on "La La Land," Justin Hurwitz won two Academy Awards: one for Best Original Score and another for Best Original Song (shared with lyricists Benj Pasek and Justin Paul). The song that won the Oscar was "City of Stars."
"City of Stars" Significance: "City of Stars" is a central song in "La La Land" and serves as a recurring theme throughout the film. It's performed by the film's lead actors, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. The song captures the bittersweet essence of aspiring artists chasing their dreams in Los Angeles.
Multiple Versions: In "La La Land," "City of Stars" is performed in various versions. There's a duet version between Mia (Emma Stone) and Sebastian (Ryan Gosling), as well as solo versions by both characters. These versions reflect different points in the characters' relationship and personal journeys.
Songwriting Process: Justin Hurwitz collaborated with lyricists Benj Pasek and Justin Paul to create the lyrics for "City of Stars." The trio worked together to capture the emotional core of the characters and the story, resulting in a song that resonated deeply with audiences.
Piano-Centric Score: The musical score of "La La Land" prominently features the piano, reflecting the character Sebastian's passion for jazz. Justin Hurwitz composed and arranged the score to complement the film's emotional moments and enhance its storytelling.
Critical Acclaim: "La La Land" received widespread acclaim for its music, with Justin Hurwitz's score and the song "City of Stars" being singled out for praise. The film's music played a crucial role in its success, helping to transport audiences into the world of the characters.
Cultural Impact: "La La Land" and its music, including "City of Stars," have had a lasting impact on popular culture. The film revived interest in musicals and contributed to a resurgence of the genre in modern cinema.
Nominations and Awards: In addition to its Oscar wins, "La La Land" received numerous other awards and nominations for its music, including Golden Globe Awards and BAFTA Awards. The film's soundtrack also achieved commercial success, further showcasing the popularity of its music.
Justin Hurwitz's collaboration with Damien Chazelle resulted in a musical masterpiece with "La La Land," and "City of Stars" remains one of the standout tracks that continues to capture the hearts of audiences around the world.